Full Friday

A very full, but energizing Friday.
The morning was spent cleaning house.
In the afternoon we went to Nick and Lolly’s place for lunch. Lolly is proudly St Helenian, and treated us to St Helenian fish soup – cooked with the fish head “and all”. I small plate was placed in the centre of the table for the bones – a jaw bone and various other interesting bits landed up in this plate. Nick ate his soup in true Saint fashion i.e. by fetching a bowl of leftover cooked rice from the fridge, which he added to his soup.
After lunch we travelled to Nick’s little “get away” cottage in Levelwood. We had to park the car, and walk the rest of the way. On route there was a section of scenery that reminded me of Zimbabwe with its beautiful rock formationsAnd another that reminded me of South Africa with its blue gum trees
The cottage is perched on the edge of a high hill/ridge. The only “luxury” is a supply of water via a hose pipe from the tank into which the rain water from the roof is fed. There is a long drop toilet, and an aluminum bath that is placed in the kitchen, if you spend the night, and want to experience a bath the old fashioned way . The water has to be heated on the fire and poured into the bath. Candles give light.
Lolly and I gathered sticks and Lolly lit a fire in the kitchen fireplace, to heat water for tea, and for washing dishes, and she also made banana crumpets. The 4 of us sat outside on a wooden plank, sipping smoky tea and eating crumpets, and just soaking in the peace and the country smells. At about 5.30 pm we walked back to the car, and Nick drove us home via Levelwood, and sections of the island that we had not seen before.
Home for a quick shower, and then off to a dinner party thing at the Mule Yard, where Graeme played in the regular orchestra.

Farewell and a musical evening

Felt a little better.

Went to the coffee shop for breakfast, and to see the Terrys and Scilla off. Scilla has completed this year's optometric stint on St Helena, and will be back in January next year We have become good friends with Steve and Maureen, and will miss them. They are off to visit their children and grand children in the UK and plan to be back on 11 August. If you look closely, you will see the ladder from the platform next to the ferry with a passenger or 2 climbing up it onto the RMS. When I came to St Helena, the doctor would not let me use the ladder. I had to sit in a box cum cage for the frail and decrepit, and the crane on the RMS (normally used for unloading cargo) lifted the box up over the side of the RMS and let us down into the ferry. On the other side, another crane lifted the box up with its precious cargo, and dropped us safely on St Helena soil. Most unexciting!
In the evening we went to St Paul’s cathedral for a “cultural evening” presenting musicians from South Africa. The first part of the evening was devoted to classical music. Nadine Roussopoulos played the violin, and was accompanied by Olga Rademan on the piano. The second half of the evening was taken by the 2 cabaret performers - Roland Perold and Shannyn Fourie. Truly gifted musicians.

Parcels and flu

I have picked up a flu bug, and did not do much today, besides going to the post office (of course) and checking for mail from SA. Lovely parcels and letters from "home". Snot and tears - partly from happiness, and partly from the flu - sent me to bed for a few hours. A good sleep always helps.

RMS

At last... the RMS arrived at noon - 2 days late. But we are thankful that it arrived. Still no potatoes, but we did get onions.
In the evening we visited Keith and Michelle Yon and their boys. It was good to chat “South African”. Keith is a Saint that was raised in Cape Town, and Michelle is a South African. They emigrated to St Helena last year, together with their 2 sons, Kyle and Duwain.

Combined service

A service in which all 3 congregations gets together at one venue. This time, at Knollcombes. It was rather a lengthy service. There was the sermon, followed by prayer for the sick, communion and then the AGM. One encouraging (perhaps) comment - the governor said that it was the most uncontentious church meeting that he had attended.

Leaking roof and trumpets

When I went to open the schoolroom for Good News Club, we found that the roof had leaked during the night, and there were several puddles on the floor (which the boys would love to play in) Water had also leaked down one wall into the electrical fittings, and we could not risk having a child switch plugs or lights on by accident. We moved the venue to the manse. Most of the girls were away at a guide camp, so it was ok. Graeme spoke to the children about trumpets – how they were used in the past and present. He demonstrated military calls etc as well as how to use his shofar, bugle, recorder and trumpet. The boys took turns in “blowing”, sounding like sick elephants, and seem to have enjoyed the session.
Prudy, Pat and Regan were visited in the afternoon.

We then called at the Garnetts to check the size of the bookcases that we had bought from them, to see whether we could fit them into the car. They were too tall. Geoff said that they were light enough to carry, so he and Graeme walked up Market street carrying them one at a time. Transport St Helena style.

Later on, Graeme played in the ladies orchestra in a fund raising evening. Graeme and Steve Terry are the orchestra's honourary ladies….

Bluehill Folk

Instead of Graeme and I going out to Bluehill, we invited 2 couples to visit us at the manse, after doing their weekly shopping in Jamestown. We had a very good visit with Vince and Vilma, and Beatie and Francis.

Steep path

Today's first visit was to William and Daphne Peters in Greenhill. They had the steepest path from the road to their home on the top of the hill. William built the home himself when he was much younger. He said that he thought that he would always be young, and it never occured to him that the long, steep path would become a problem in years to come.
Both Daphne and William worked in the Fairyland flax mill when they were teenagers. Both had to leave school at aound 15 years of age to go to work to help support their families. Daphne had to get up at 5.00am and walk for about 1 1/2 hours to the mill, to start at 7.30 am. Work lasted until 5.00 pm, and this was followed by the long walk home. Then firewood had to be collected and supper cooked.... A very different life style to what people are prepared to accept these days.

Next we called on Deborah Williams. Unfortunately, her husband, Colin, was busy with a break down, and we did not get to visit with him. He owns a garage, and is often called out.

Sandy Bay visits

Our first visit today was to Pat and her brother Stan Bellord. Their home is the one furthest away in the photo. We found a very interesting flower growing in the open ground around their home.The next home we visited was the Williams' They live in a cottage that originally belonged to a Governor Jenkins.

The last home for the day was that of Mervyn and Daphne Constantine. (Too dark to take a photo of their home)

Start of visits

The first day of our 2 week break from group meetings. I visited 3 of the ladies that attend the Jamestown chapel. Iona, Dora and Shirley. It helps to get to know the people a little better when you meet them in their homes.
Graeme left on his bike to visit Fred Duncan, but got caught in a shower, so turned back home - soaked.

60th Birthday

I had an absolutely marvelous 60th birthday. I was woken by the double ring of the telephone which indicates that it is an international call (local calls have a single ring) It was one of the church folk’s brother phoning me from Ascension Island! After the call from Wilson, I received a few other international calls as well as a number of local ones.
1.00pm Graeme and I went to Jean March for lunch to celebrate together with her Mama Lizzie, who turned 91. Jean and her friend, Trevor, went to a huge amount of trouble, and the table groaned under the weight of all the delicious food. The Terrys were also there. We only left just before 6.00pm.
When I got home, there were emails from all 3 of my children. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Well, I am sure it is true. I suspect that I love the 3 tykes more now than ever before.
Graeme suggested that he take me out in the evening, and told me that he had made a booking for 7.00pm. I was getting a bit irritated when we left the manse late. He said that we were going to a place called the Rock Club. I thought it a strange choice for Graeme, as he definitely does not like rock music…. When we arrived at the venue, there were a good number of cars for a Monday night. I thought that it must be a popular place. As we walked into the dimly lit hall, a large crowd of people started singing “Happy Birthday”.
I was gob smacked! There were folk from each Bible study group as well as a few Salvation Army friends. Even the 2 teenagers, Brandon and Annalise, from the Deadwood Bible study were there. I stood there looking at the faces in front of me. 4 months ago I had not even met most of them, and now they had all touched my life in some way or another. I am truly blessed! After the meal, everyone sat around and sang “Gospel Country” songs. The Saints love to sing, and everyone joined in lustily.

Last Country Services

Clawed has become my shadow. He follows me all over the place. He even balanced himself on the side of the bath this morning, while I was standing inside it, on the other side of the shower curtain, taking a shower!

I felt a bit sad as I went with Graeme to the 2 country services this morning. This will be the last Sunday that I will be attending these chapels, as next Sunday is a combined service, (where all the groups meet at one chapel) and the Sunday following, ("God spare") I will be starting the Jamestown Sunday School while Graeme is preaching at Sandy Bay and Knollcombes.

Children and reading

Good News Club. Very few boys attended. I handed out the invitations to 6 of the 7 older girls that attend Good News Club, to attend a sleep-over on 1st May. I was warned that everyone pitches up when it is a fun event, and sure enough, one of the girls started asking for invitations for a number of her school friends! Needless to say, I am restricting it to 7 girls. Here are 5 of the "bundles of mischief".

I popped in at Wanda's place for her to set up my next lace book marker, and spent most of the afternoon trying to get the hang of the new pattern, together with using much thinner thread. Folk keep asking to see what I have made, and expecting much more than I have had the time to work on.

Graeme spent the evening in his study while I finished reading "Through Gates of Splendour". I was greatly encouraged by the honesty of the author i.e. one of the 5 widows. She painted a picture of ordinary men with human failings, that God used in an extraordinary way.

Fairyland

Had a good day off. Slept in. Went to Wanda after breakfast for her to help me set up my new piece of lace work. 1.30pm went with Graeme and Nick Thorpe for a walk to Fairyland i.e. the site of the Thorpes’ now abandoned flax mill. The weather was cool, and the scenery beautiful. I managed the approximately 1 km walk down to the mill without any problems, and only had to stop twice on the uphill (slow) return walk. Nick explained how the mill used to function, and he and Graeme went over the old rusted machinery. I was given a good amount of the last of the flax that was milled there. So my next project will be to make a set of table mats out of the flax fibre. (They are determined to make a Saint out of me.)
We then went to Nick’s place for a cup of tea and a chat. I saw a piece of rope that was made many years ago out of flax fibre, wrapped around a rusting anchor that was leaning against a wall. (Nick likes old things) Home for supper. Cat has taken to sitting on Graeme’s shoulder .

Act of mercy

We only have 12 more visits before we take our pugs home! i.e. at the end of May. I am going to have to do some serious dog walking in order to get the weight off Cho. Graeme popped in at the saw mill which is opposite the ANRDWe got back just in time for Sandra’s visit of mercy. I found out that she loves ironing….!! What a blessing!
11.00am went to have coffee with Elza and Maureen and Bev. Maureen spoke about making a lasagna with seafood. I have a small packet of frozen mussels in my freezer, and Maureen offered to give me another packet – she has to get rid of/use up the contents of her freezer before they go on long leave in 12 day’s time. I hope that I can get the lasagna to taste as good as it sounds.
Wound bobbins for this evening’s lace class – 36 of them!
Graeme went to the Thursday Bible studies on his bike. Reversing out of the narrow alley way where the bike is parked, with his sling bag full of books and the other bag carrying his cornet. (The Saints sing at every meeting)

Crabs, rocks and waves

The fortnightly Jamestown BWA was cancelled because most of the ladies were attending a funeral. It is amazing how connected to each other all the Saints are. Whenever there is a funeral, you find out that a good number of the people that you know are connected to the deceased in some way or another – a family member; an ex family member; a distant family member; a neighbor; a work colleague, etc.
I took a walk to the wharf just to blow the cobwebs away. Enjoyed listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the stones, followed by the sound of the stones rolling against one another as the waves pulled back again. I stumbled upon a colony of crabs – grey ones that were hardly visible on the grey stones, and a few bright pink ones. Deadwood Bible study for me, and Half Tree Hollow Bible study for Graeme, at 7.30pm. One of the ladies, Sandra Peters, used to be the house help at the manse for 2 of the previous pastors. She offered to come and help me with the manse work for 2 hours on Thursday mornings! God is so good to me!
Did a bit of reading, then went to bed with Clawed while Graeme watched a war movie downstairs.

Ladies

Sandy Bay BWA. We discussed ideas about what we would be doing in the coming months and a few ladies showed the items that they had made over the past few weeks. See the ladies lined up at the boundary wall of the chapel. I finished my first “all by myself” lace book marker. It has a few obvious mistakes in it, so I will keep it for myself. I am to start a new pattern at my next lace lesson. As we cannot get proper lace thread at the moment, Wanda told me to wind 2 ordinary cotton threads onto my bobbins. Cape Villa at 5.00pm. Felicity Joshua (the caretaker) is one of the kindest, "caringest" people that I have ever met. She always sees the good in others, and is especially kind to older folk. Jamestown Bible Study. This was our last study before the Terrys go on long leave to visit their children in the UK. Scilla’s time with us also comes to an end for this year. She is the optometrist that comes to the Island once a year. She also amazes us with her love of walking. For the Easter Sunday sunrise service, she took the "short cut" and walked up Jacob’s Ladder to the service, then walked down again (more exacting than the up walk). When we returned from the 2 country Sunday services, she was taking a stroll up Ladder Hill…

Big Clean

I spent most of the day doing a "big clean". Not my choice of how to spend my time, but most satisfying to see the rooms that received my attention, looking all pristine. (Not for long, though)
Clawed is becoming quite a little character. When we have visitors, he "shows off" on the lounge carpet - racing from one chair to the other, hiding then pounching on some unsuspecting toe, jumping and doing summersaults, etc. When it is time for bed, he rushes up the stairs and sits on to our bed looking like a miniature sphynx, waiting for us. When I try and get him off the bed, he hides under it until I am securely ensconced and comfortable, and too tired to fuss with him, then he gets onto the bed and goes to sleep snuggled up against me. I am such a sucker!

Fruity gifts

If I am to start a Sunday School in Jamestown, it will mean that I will have to give up going to Sandy Bay and Knollcombes with Graeme on Sunday mornings. I will miss the services with these dear folk. I will also miss listening to how Graeme presents the same message differently to the different congregations. But I am also looking forward to spending more time teaching the Scriptures to the children.
As we were leaving the evening service at Jamestown, I was given a packet of "medlars" from Maureen. These are a slightly tart version of a miniature guava. Tiny but tasty. Brenda gave Graeme a bowl of spiced stewed pears and dumplings. The pears came from their garden. Very nice, and muchly appreciated.

Teaching

10.00am Good News Club. There are a group of about 10 "regulars" that attend now. Although I croak rather than sing, they enjoy singing a Zulu song that I taught them. Singing English songs does not have the same attraction. I asked the children what they thought about us starting a Sunday School. To my great encouragement, they were keen, and even told me what time to have it so as not to interfere with their Sunday morning sleep in…
My mind is churning with trying to think of a program to follow, as well as what lessons to give in the Sunday School. I want to start in May, "God spare" (Saint expression)
In the evening, Graeme and I went down to the wharf area for a take away supper – pork chop, spicy sausage, chicken legs and chips – to share.
After finishing our meal we went for a little walk along the wharf. Once again, I met one of the Good News Club young girls dressed like an adult, and on her way to the Saturday evening entertainment on the sea front.

Thinking

“Day off” simply means that I can prioritise my tasks as I wish. Did washing and ironing, and preparation for tomorrow’s Good News Club. I have been concerned about the children’s lack of basic Biblical knowledge. I need to spend more time with them. How? When? Where?

Pets

Visited our pugs in the morning. The kitten has a flea or 2, so we got some front line from the ANRD (the Island’s version of a combination between the SPCA and a vet) I had difficulty finding flea shampoo in the shops – most of the Islanders simply go to ANRD when they have a problem of any kind with their pets/ live stock. Came home and wiped the Front line soaked swabs all over Clawed. He looked like we had gelled his hair into spikes. He was not impressed.
Had coffee with Maureen and Elza at 11.00am. Went to lace class in the evening, while Graeme went to the Sandy bay and Blue Hill Bible studies.

Kindness

Did a bit of weeding and general house cleaning.
3.00pm went to visit Jean March and Trevor. It was supposed to be for afternoon tea. When we got there, they had prepared a table full of eats (including blood sausage) and we were told “I don’t want any nonsense now. You must eat!” If we let them, the Saints would kill us with kindness.
Looking out from Jean’s property, one can see the Heart Shaped Waterfall, which has a little water flowing down it at the moment.

Jean’s mother – Mama Lizzy – was also there. I found out that she and I have the same birthday. Only difference is that she is turning 91, and I am turning 60. She is still VERY active – walks kilometers each week to get herself to the Salvation Army church meetings. I love hearing from the old folk what life was like "before days".

Mama Lizzy told us how they used to use hessian potato bags (which they called gunny bags) for all sorts of things. A piece of fabric tied through it to make a strap around each arm would make a bag that you could carry on your back. Fire wood or vegetables to sell at the market etc. was carried in this way on the long walks to and from Jamestown. No cars in those days - just donkeys for the fortunate ones. Gunny bags were also strapped to the donkeys like pannier bags. Shoes (that is, if you had any) would be carried over your shoulder on these walks, and put on just before entering town, so as not to wear them out.

If one tied a cord to the gunny bag in a different way, it would serve as an apron.

Deadwood Bible Study. 7.30 pm. Although this is supposed to be a ladies' Bible study, there are also 2 teenagers that attend. Annalise (12 years) who is a good school student, and Brandon (13 years) who is a problem child. It is great to have them participating, and just being part of the group.

Bible Studies

Sandy Bay BWA 10.00 am. A “suggestion” reached me that I should spend more time doing crafts with the Sandy Bay ladies. I sounded them out on this, and it was agreed that they wanted to include a time slot when we actually did crafts together. Up until now, our time has been spent praying and studying the Scriptures, with a little time at the end of our session for discussing what is being accomplished at home as far as crafts go. Oh well, back to the drawing board, Hazel.
It has been drizzling and raining lightly for nearly 2 weeks now. Small streams, or guts, as the Saints call them, seem to appear out of the side of the hills.Cape Villa Bible Study at 5.00pm. A few of the regulars found the wet weather a deterrent, so our numbers were down this week. The part that I enjoy the most about leading Bible studies, is what I get out of the study myself. You tend to “dig a bit deeper” into your passage when you are preparing to present it to other people, rather than just reading it for yourself.
Jamestown Bible Study at 7.30 pm. While I was putting out the cups for tea after the study, I heard a rattle behind me, comimg from the sideboard.... Graeme is dealing with the basic doctrines that we, as a church, subscribe to. It can be heavy going, but he did a good job of simplifying tonight’s chapter.

Shape

Did a bit of kitchen cleaning in the morning. In the afternoon, hitched a ride with Edith and Nigel and Olive Brown, to the Family Fun Day at “Shape”. This is an organization that provides employment for the mentally and physically disabled on the island. They were raising funds to buy a new bus for the school. I mainly helped Wanda in her “Craft Fun” stall. You paid 20p for a turn at making your own bangle with beads she provided, or trying out a knitting pattern, or threading 4 needles one behind the other on a pin cushion, or knotting a wrist “thingey” using macramé and beads, or trying to spin wool on a spinning wheel, etc. I definitely want to learn to spin wool. Afterwards we had tea at Olive Brown’s home. I enjoyed chatting to folk who had lived outside of the confines of St Helena for a few decades – the UK and Europe.
In the evening, the Bloem’s picked us up to go to the Terry’s for supper. Maureen produced a wonderful meal. The Islanders always have a number of meat dishes when they have visitors (whereas you will only find one on my table), followed by at least 3 choices of dessert. Maureen has recently been granted St Helenan status, and she definitely hosts in the generous way that is common on the Island.

Easter Sunday

6.00am we were standing in the light rain at the top of Jacob’s ladder for a Sunrise Service. The Salvation Army provided the music, and Graeme preached a short sermon. I was encouraged to see a number of folk that seldom attend church, standing there in the wind and the wet, and listening to the gospel message.
After that, Graeme and I went to the usual 2 Sunday morning services. Home for a nap, and then another service at 7.00pm.

Children

Although it was Easter week end, a good number of children came to Good News Club. It is great to sense a kind of relationship developing between myself and the children. I am trying to emphasise the importance of reading the Bible. One little girl, Rene, who does not have a Bible, proudly produced the “Bible” that her mother had bought for her during the week. Bearing in mind that there are no Bibles for sale on the island (other than through a church), I thought that she did quite well - Enid Blyton’s Children’s Bible Stories. I offered to read her a story out of her Bible after the lesson is finished each week.
Madison came over to the manse in the afternoon. I played a game or 2 of rummy and "donkey" with her, then we opened one of the jig saw puzzles that I had brought from SA. After supper, we went to the Garnetts to watch a DVD.

Good Friday

8.00am 9.30 am and 11.00 am Good Friday services. One of the church members gave us a packet of potatoes! Irregular shaped and small, but oh, so welcome! I made potato wedges for supper. Madison came over in the afternoon to play with Clawed. He now thinks that he owns the place. He loves to stalk us, pounce on our feet and bite our toes. He also enjoys sleeping and playing with the children's toys. He is totally weaned now and is very fussy. He looks at his litter box and gives a little mew if it needs changing, and does the same if his food is not as fresh as he would prefer. There is no cat litter for sale on St Helena – one simply has to use sand from your garden. So what happens when it has been raining for a few days, and your cat wants fresh sand in his box? You put a tray of wet sand in your oven, and dry it out. Then you have a happy cat.