AUGUST 2011

SCOREBOARD COLLEGIATE U14 HOCKEY; PLAYING RIEKBEEK







ALLY PLAYS HOCKEY AGAINST PEGS 15.08.2011



ALLY HAD TO MARK THIS CLARENDON PLAYER CAREFULLY.




FIREMAN DANIEL




ALLY, JESSICA AND KERRY DISCUSS WORLD POLITICS WHILE MICHAEL AND GREG LOOK ON.


14 YEAR OLD ALLY





AUGUST 2011

JULIA MOVED TO A FLAT IN HUMEWOOD
MICHAEL AND LENE STAY WITH US
ALLY TURNS 14
ALPHA AT WALMER METHODIST
LENE GOES TO HOSPITAL FOR AN OPERATION TO HER ARM
BARBARA AND MY 35TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
BEACHFRONT RUNNING AND SWIMMING
LUNCH AT THE PINK FIG
ALLY PLAYS COLLEGIATE U14 HOCKEY AS OLD GREY ACADEMY HOCKEY
START WITH BIKE RIDING IN THE MORNINGS
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE WITH CHARLES, FRED, JOHN MC GILLIVRAY, GEORGE, DARRYL SMITH AND VINANCE.


TREE CLIMBING JOSH


MIND THE GAP



FUN IN THE TREES

Monday 1st August
I leave for East London early this morning. Dark when driving and I chose to drive the coastal road. This was a mistake as there are simply too many potholes on this route. I hit a really nasty one which jolts me; fortunately no damage to the car. Then later I come across a dead horse across the road. This made me think that driving at night is not a good idea.

Tuesday 2nd August
I am in East London this morning and leave for PE around midday.

Wednesday 3rd August. I run in the morning but am feeling stiff from the run on Sunday. Grahamstown this morning and Alpha this evening. Ally is not feeling well and stays home. Lene has to go into hospital for an operation to her arm.
I have Alpha this evening. I am a leader of a small group together with Salomie. The group consists of Heidi, Bev, Brad, Jenny, Mandy, Steven,

Thursday: Morning run. Feeling a lot better. Running easily this morning.
Friday evening Ally and a group of her friends go to Youth at Summerstrand Church. She has Kerry stay over. It is raining and chilly as predicted.
Saturday morning: It has been raining all night. We have agreed to run even if it rains. I collect Adrienne. Susan and Gerald meet us at Hobie beach. Graham and Margie also join us and I enjoy running and chatting with Graham. He is back into the lawyering business and trying to end all amployment connections with the municipality. Margie is feeling very frisky and keeps on heading off into the distance and then fetching us. We are so fortunate as it is not raining at all. We start off in a slight west wind. Gerald runs as far as the Garage and then turns back.

We had expected to have to run in the rain but are pleasantly surprised that we run all the way and it is a beautiful almost spring morning. Graham and Margie carry on along Strandfontien while Sue, Adrienne and I run down 2nd ave. We pass Jonny Bakkes. As we reach the beach promenade we turn right to meet up with the others as they come back to Hobie. It starts to rain and we turn back. We meet up with Elmarie and we run back to Hobie. Graham and Margie catch us as we finish. It is now raining and we are running through puddles of water. Adrienne, Sue and I strip down and go for our Saturday morning swim. It is cold but amazingly refreshing. And I am able to body surf a few waves. What an incredible start to the day!

After work I collect MC Burri and we go to Framesby to watch rugby. I meet up with Terry Hepburn, Keith and Grant (who was also at the youth group that Ally visited last evening) and Andrew Jonas. Grey thirds (Grant's team win and the seconds (Aiden Boyd) also win. The Grey First team suffer what I hear is their 9th loss this season. Not a good reflection on their own ability nor on that of their coach. They made all kinds of tactical and handling errors. Framesby (Lene's old shcool) on the other hand looked confident and were at full tilt throughout the match.


AN ALMOST DRY DANIEL


JOSHUA RESCUES A DROWNED CARE



Sunday 7.08.2011
It is Ally's 14th Birthday and Barbara & my 35th wedding anniversary. Barbara has bought Ally a Blackberry Phone. She is delighted and immediately sets it up. Michael and I take a walk around Grey, we meet Claire and Michelle going for their morning run.


JOSHUA AND JESSICA


SORTING OUT THE RULES


PASS THE BALL PLEASE JOSH


JESSICA & JOSHUA CHASE THE BALL; DANIEL IN THE BACKGROUND


BASKETBALL AT THE PINK FIG

We meet for lunch at the Pink Fig. This is an outdoor restaurant designed for children and families. Michael and Lene, Jessica, Joshua and Daniel --- Charles, Ingrid, John and Cheryl, Michael and Greg are there as well. Ally had her friend Kerry there. We have a really good meal and good conversation. This is a good venue for adults and children alike: lots of place for the children to play and run around and we were given a room to ourselves with a fireplace. It was a chilly afternoon and we needed the extra bit of warmth. This was our way of celebrating our 35th anniversary and Ally's 14th birthday at one time with family and friends.



LUNCH AT THE PINK FIG


LENE AND INGRID SHARE A STORY




GOOD LOOKING GIRLS AT THE PINK FIG


Nicci and her family are at Ceres with Stefan's sister, Lynette. There is snow on the mountains and they are able to go up the mountain in a 4x4.

Monday morning I am back running in the group. It is a long weekend for many as the schools have taken Monday off in anticipation of the Tuesday -- Womens day. We have no Cell Group this evening.

Tuesday 9th.
I am up early. Barbara is in the throws of a Kitchen Clean Up. The place is a Balagan (Hewbrew for Mess). I do the dishes and some cleaning and then leave for the Beach Front run. Adrienne is off with a cold. I meet up with Gerald, Ronel and Elmarie; Ben, Mike and Suzanne join us. Suzanne is in front of the running group. I battle to keep up with Ronel and Ben. Mike and Elmarie cut out the top of Walmer Boulevard section.

Gerald turns back as he feels he is not in good shape and battling with the running. It had been raining in the night but now there is a west wind but as we turn away from the wind it becomes one of the stunning mornings that I love. We set a reasonable pace running to the Caltex Garage in LeRoche drive and then along to Strandfontein road.

At Second avenue most of the group turn back to the beach. Suzanne has said that she is keen to do a slightly longer distance so I head off expecting her to catch me at any time. I run all the way along Strandfontein road and then down Admiralty. I stop at the garage thinking that Suzanne must have turned down 2nd ave when she comes running down for some water. She had to make a pit stop and I was just out of calling distance. So I had run so hard for nothing.

On to the promenade and along past Summerstrand. Jonny Bakkes is at the surf competition. The sea is like glass. Or should I say Ice? When we get to Hobie I must have the traditional swim even if it is only a shorty. Suzanne leaves and I take the plunge. Getting into the water is always the tough part. Once you are completely wet then you really feel how cold it is. My feet were Ice Blocks. I surfed two waves and then walked back to where I had left my clothes.

As I walked to the car, Tony Maine greeted me. He is supporting / seconding his son Kyle swimming. Kyle will, this morning, swim to Summerstrand and back to Kings Beach around three times (three hours) in that cold water. This is part of his training for his English Channel swim attempt in around a month's time.

Back home I have a long hot shower trying to thaw out. Then Barbara,Ally, Jessica and I leave for Plett. It is Womens day and we have arranged to have lunch with Ena. She has invited some of her friends; Anne and Anthony de Wet; Anne Thomas and Trish. Ena makes us some roast chicken with vegetables. While we are ther the stove nearly catches fire. Ena is frail as any 95 year old person should be. She has had a fall recently and hurt herself.

Despite all of this Ena is amazingly alert in many ways. We sit out on the veranda for lunch. Good conversation despite the fact that Anthony is pretty deaf and that Ena keeps asking where is the Broccoli? And have you cut the bread? Anthony (Deaf) tells me about the South African economy, the education system, The American and British University systems, Nobel Prize winners and various other stuff which I really battle to understand what he is saying. I cant respond as he cant hear me. Just as well.

I commit a criminal act in washing the dishes. Fortunately I am bigger than Ena otherwise she would have Clapped me.

Pudding is Waffels, Honey and Cream. Too much grub. But nice. The Annes leave. I wash dishes, Ena complains about the knives in the water and packs the left overs and rusks in packets for us. We try to sneak out without taking this but she remembers and we go back for the take-aways.

Ena has had some tests for leisons that she has on her back. She walks or hikes to the Clinic. She seems in good spirits and happy with life despite the setbacks.

Ena has been very generous helping Michael and his family during this time of financial stress. They have medical aid and a mounting medical bill to pay. Both Lene and Michael are making full use of the medical aid.

We arrive home safely. Well fed and happy to have been able to spend the day visiting.

Wednesday 10th
Start with Bradlows North End. Alpha 4 this evening.

Thursday 11th. No running today. Merc in for 260 000kay service. Meeting at Old grey.

Friday 12th
I was supposed to meet Gerald for a cycle but we missed each other and I cycled the Moffat circuit on my own. Good to be back on the bike.

Rowena and I leave for Somerset East early. Josh is opening a new shop there sometime soon and we are interviewing for staff. Too many road stops but I suppose that we will benefit in the long run. Seems like we have found staff for this shop.
This evening Ally watches Hockey at Grey. Michael is at a meeting with some friends as he is trying to set up a business supplying supermarkets with Nappies now and hopefully other goods later.

This evening Ally and I watch Grey play Selborne at Hockey. Grey first team manage a strong 4-1 win. I sit with Susan Burri and Lolo. Colin is doing the transbaviaans cycle and Markus is padding in a marathon conpetition in gauteng.


Saturday 13th morning.
COld and windy; No run.
Ally has hockey at Collegiate. Collegiate is having a derby day. Playing Clarendon from East London. This is a particularly strong team and when we were in East London earlier this year, Collegiate only managed a draw. So Collegiate recons this is a strong rival. Ally is playing Left Back. As we arrive at Collegiate it starts to rain. The west wind is already putting a chill into the air and we move across to the pavilion for a bit of shelter. It is better on the west side of the field. The game is a tense one with both sides battling to score. Collegiate Manage to find the goal just once before half time. Clarendon fight hard to even the score. Ally is playing a strong match while marking a girl called Brittany. Altimately Collegiate hold Clarendon off to a One - Nil lead and win this match. After the match, while the coach is giving them some feedback, "Ally is named Man of the match".




THIS BRITANNY PLAYED FOR BORDER AND ALLY WAS CAREFUL TO NOT ALLOW HER ANY ADVANTAGE


COLLEGIATE SAVED THIS SHORT CORNER


HALF TIME DISCUSSION. COLLEGIATE ARE 1-0 UP. ALLY NAMED MAN OF THE MATCH.

Satutday afternoon Ally and I walk across to Grey where we watch the final match of the season. Selborne is a strong team and outplay the Grey first team to a 29=25 win. I sat with Varrin and Wendy Karp as well as Charles du Toit. It was a really chilly afternoon. The Grey and Selborne supporters should receive a medal for being out there this afternoon while they could be watching the Springbok Rugby team playing in the Tri Nations matches. The Thirds did well to even the score while the second team managed a win against Selborne.

Watching Grey rugby on a Saturday afternoon is one of my favourite ways of relaxiing. The season has ended but Ally still has a number of hockey matches to play.

Ally goes to watch her friend Megan Derry at a Balet evening at the Savoy theatre. Barbara has tickets for a Michael Jackson show at the Opera theater. Michael is not feeling well and stays home with the boys. I do some lifting: Take Ally to Balet, Take Barbara to fetch Lene at a friend, take them all to collect Ally from the Balet and take them all to the Opera House to the Michael Jackson show. Then set the alarm for 10.30 and collect them all again at the Opera theater. It seems that this was a really worthwhile show and they enjoyed it thoroughly. They had front seats for the show. Jessica a bit scared of the spooky bits, Ally has one of the actors sitting on her lap.

Sunday Morning.
I had arranged to meet Gerald and Charles for a cycle. It has been raining all night and still wet outside. Gerald SMS's to say he is not coming. But Charles arrives with his new bike at just before 7am. It is still drizzling and quite chilly but we are determined to enjoy ourselves. Charles has his first attempt at riding this mountain bike that he bought from a man in Charlo. It is second hand but looks
new. This way you save huge on the price of a new bike but you get the same quality.


CHARLES SHOWS OFF HIS NEW BIKE AND OUTFIT

Charles takes a little while to accustom himself to the gears and the setting of the bike but we are soon up into Cape Road and riding into the west wind and the rain. Chilly but not so cold that we turn back. We ride up to the Moffat turn off. Charles does not have a big gear for downhill.

In Moffat I see our running group partner, Liz, who is running on her own. We bike up to the Builderswarehouse and dowm Buffelsfontein. Chris Sheasby passes us on his way to Church. He is back from his 18year stint in flying missions in K/Z/Natal. He now works in the church but I am sure that he longs for the flying which was such an adventure life for him for so long.

Now we are with the wind and downhill to 6th Ave. Down 6 ave and into Target Kloof. I have to be careful with the rumble strips as the road bike does not take well to them. Charles is able to ride straight over them. Up the steep climb to the top of Target and then back home.

There was a bit of rain but nothing to talk about. Gerald has missed out on a good outing. BUT as soon as Charles and I have finished the ride; the rain starts coming down in earnest. So we made the best of the morning. A hot shower and warm clothes and we are back to normal.

This afternoon I have a Nippers meeting at Summies and Barbara takes Michael's children to have a bit of a run around on the beach.


Monday 15th August 2011
Began the morning with a tough run. I was quite tired after the relentless pace that Ronel runs at. My feet and legs were really quite tired later this morning.

This evening Ally has an Old Grey Academy game against PEGs at Grey. Our team started with a really shocking game of Hockey. Ally included. She could not see the ball and let a number of balls go past her whereas she is normally so reliable in stopping the ball. But this was how the whole team played. However our team managed a really good team goal in the first half.


OLD GREY ACADEMY HOCKEY AT GREY ON A NIGHT THEY WOULD RATHER FORGET


ALLY HAD A TOUGH OPPONENT TO MARK 15.08.2011

In the second half of the game our team's game picked up and we played a whole lot better. But the PEGs managed to score a goal and it ended up a 1-1 draw. It had been a match to forget. PEG's outplayed our team who continually played into their "hands" as they stopped everything that we tried to do. But the youth and fitness of the younger team prevailed.

Tuesday morning; Up early and out for a run. After yesterday I took it a little easier and avoided the faster group.
Wednesday morning. Three days of running in a row. I was the only one of our group who was here for the third day consecutively. I had an easier run this morning with Mike Dean, Susan and Sjani.
This evening Ally had another Old Grey Academy Hockey game.

This was, unfortunately one of the games we would rather forget. The University team which included Kate Derry, gave our Old Grey team a real thrashing of 4-0. We could simply not do anything right. The only compensation was that we had a cooler bag with some Jeripigo and snacks which we enjoyed in the cold evening. Jessica and Daniel were with us (under a blanket). Michael and Lene had gone to Joshua's concert.

At the end of the game Ally, who had taken a knock during the game, was feeling terrible. Her friend, Alex, had come with us.

Thursday morning I go out running for the fourth day in a row. It is some time since I last did this.

Friday 19.08.2011;
I am not feeling well, I have caught a bit of a cold. So I abandon the cycle. This morning is the Grandad and Granny's day at Clarendon Park. Joshua is in the concert and we enjoy their singing and the show that they put on for us. Josh is a Rata in the song: "I am glad to say, I am on my way, to Kingston town". The children show us what real discipline there is in the school as they sing and act out parts in unison and harmony. As Allan Lones says later: "There is nothing wrong with the schooling system in this school" He is referring to the reports that the SA school system is not functioning.



HOCKEY AT COLLEGIATE


COLLEGIATE U14A HOCKEY TEAM


ALLY JUST LOVES HOCKEY


ALLY IN ACTION


ALLY HAVING FUN ON COLLEGIATE ASTRO


ALLY'S FINAL GAME FOR COLLEGIATE U14


NOT A BRILLIAN DISPLAY -- BUT A WIN


Saturday morning;
I start the day with a run at the beach. Andre, Margie, John Nelson and I do the Admiralty route. And I am the only one to swim afterwards. The water is freezing cold. I do not have time to shower as I have to drop Ally off at Hockey. This is to be Ally's Final Game for the Collegiate U14 first team. They have had a really good run this season. From what I understand is that they have only drawn one game: To Clarendon in East London during the hockey tournament and the rest they have won. Today is no exception. They play Riebeek and win easily 4-0.



SCOREBOARD COLLEGIATE U14 HOCKEY; PLAYING RIEKBEEK


Later in the day Julia plays for Pirates where they lose 5-0. We watch the game on Grass at Pirates. Barbara meets Wendy who is the mother of Gina who plays hockey against Julia's team. Gina is one of Ally's friends. Also with her is Sarah Rose; another of Ally's friends. Wendy also runs a play school from home.

I spent the afternoon cleaning my Mountain Bike in preparation for a bike ride on Sunday morning. I am so stoked on this ride. I check everything on the bike: Gears, Brakes, chain, tyres etc. I purchase some more Slime green in case I need to refill the tubes. The last time I rode the Mountain bike was for the Redhouse river mile triathlon in February. It was still full of that mud and grime. But by the end of the afternoon I had it all cleaned up and looking spiffing.

Spoke to Patrick; his family has had a bit of flu. So many people are at the rugby stadium. The All Blacks play Springboks at the Nelson Mandela stadium today as part of the Tri Nations. SA beat the All Blacks 18-5. Only one try scored by the Kiwi's. Streets are quiet until just after the match. At this time the town becomes alive and we can hear the music from the stadium. Only praise for the PE Crowd and the vibe in the city.


Sunday morning. I set up the bike rack. I thought of cycling to Charles' house but woosied out of that. I give the tyres one more final pump, wipe the bike down one more time and am ready to go.

We have the most wonderful adventure in the valley; See Blog.



FRED DISCUSSES THE TRAIL


CHARLES POWERS THROUGH THE FAST FLOWING RIVER ON A WIER



JOHN MCGILLIVRAY AT THE TOP OF A HILL


We have been out for nearly 2 hours and I am glad that we can relax. I load up the bike and drive home. As I arrive at home my three grandchildren: Jessica, Joshua and Danny ask if they can have a bike ride. So off we go again through the streets of Mill Park. The 4 of us shouting at each other to be careful of cars. Daniel does not have brakes and uses his shoes to stop. It is unnerving for me. But I love being with this little group of children.


JOSHUA, JESSICA AND DANIEL AFTER OUR RIDE


Last time I did a trail ride, I put my bike away and did no maintenance. This time I spent 30-60 minutes cleaning and preparing the bike so that I will be able to say "YES' at short notice. It has been a great adventure for me. I hope that we area able to do this again sooner than later.

Monday I have a day in King and on Tuesday morning I still have a cough and cold so miss out on running. I take Ally to water polo training at 05.30am and then see her next at a Water Polo match against UPE at 06.30pm at Newton park Pool. Ally is trying out for the U16 team. It is a whitewash to the UPE team but good experience for Ally.

Wednesday it is back to Alpha in the evening.
Thursday 24th morning I am back to running again. It is a slow and short run but at least I am back out and on the road.
Friday morning I meet Mike Dean and the two of us cycle the Moffat circuit.

Saturday morning I collect Adrienne and we meet up with John Nelson, Margie Saunders, Susan Burri, Pat, Gerald and Ronel Scheepers and Susan Gendall. We start at 05.30 and have a great run. I am trying out the waist pack that I won at the Woodridge Trail run. It is heavy on my waist (two full water bottles) and, with the cold that I still have, I battle to stay with the group. John and Margie go ahead. Pat keeps me company at the back until 2nd avenue. The rest of the group goes down 2nd ave while I have a bit of an advantage of not having to stop for water.

I press on and the rest of the group catches me at Admiralty. Again Margie and Susan charge off into the distance while John keeps me company at the back. When we get to the bottom of Admiralty the girls have had a drink and John and I drink from the waist pack. We run along the waterfront promenade; It is a stunning winter morning with the sun rising over the eastern shore line and a slight west wind flattening the sea. The Moon is a slither on the Eastern Horizon and it is Neap Low tide.


JOHN NELSON AND RUNNING ALONG THE BOARDWALK



Back at the Pier I go for a swim and am able to almost walk to the end of the pier the tide is so low. The water is cold but I love my swim.

From Hobie beach I drive around the Marine drive to Sappershoek at Schoenies where the Alpha Weekend is to be held. I spend the day at Alpha while Cathy flys in from Cape Town to spend the weekend with Barbara.

This evening Charles and I go to see the Gino Fabrio show at the Old Grey Club where there is a Centerstage production. Barbara has also caught a cold and she and Cathy stay home for the evening.

Charles and I sit with Adrienne's table. It is a really good show and the two of us have a great evening out. Adrienne takes her son Matthew, Danielle and friend Zane, and Ray and Dee Kemp. We sit in the very front row. The hall is packed to capacity.

Sunday morning I am up early and cycle to Hobie beach where I meet up with John Nelson. We cycle out to Sappershoek. It is some time since I last cycled this far and am quite exhausted at the end of the ride. Cycling around Marine drive is such a priveledge. The Ocean always looks so amazing. This morning it is calm with a gentle west blowing. At other times the wind is strong and the sea looks like a washing machine. One has to be careful as the road is narrow and not all of the motorists are careful or considerate of cyclists. John continues around and up the hill to back home in Summerstrand. I spend the morning at Alpha and then Ken gives me a lift home in his combi.

Sunday afternoon I do my income tax form. Barbara, Cathy and Lene take a ride to the beach. Ally is also at the beach with some friends. Michaels children love it when I am home in the afternoon because this means that I can take them for a bike ride around the suburb. We do this twice this afternoon. This evening I go to church on my own. The rest of the family are too tired or doing homework.

Monday morning I am up early and leave for East London. I stay there for three days doing branch visits and a meeting on Wednesday with Corrie and Ron Jordaan. As usual I stay at the B&B where Chris Zietsman used to own,

Tuesday: Ally and Tara vd Venter were chosen to play in the U16 Water Polo team. This is a year before their time. They played against Grey U14 team. Our team did not have a Goal Keeper and were up against a strong team of boys who gave the Collegiate team a lesson in WP. Good experience for our girls.
I have had two successful days in EL. Doing Br Visits, seeing a newly opened store in Mdantsane and listening to conflict in two of the more volatile shops.

Wednesday 31st. Meeting in El with Ron Jordaan who does some training on Control Self Assessment. Corrie was supposed to be there but could not make it due to a last minute meeting that he has to attend. I lead the Heart talk 3. Hand Talk.

Wednesday evening I drive home in time for Alpha. We still have around 4 to 5 weeks of Wednesday evenings. It is not always easy to commit to so many Wednesdays but I try to be there as often as possible. Alpha is being run by Debbie and Hugh Glover. They do a great job of it and with Debbies passion and Hugh's organisation skills it seems to be a huge success.

JUNE 2011

JERUSALEM AND ISRAEL




VIA DEL ROSA



ANNABELLE, GRANDAD & EMILY

ANNABELLE, ALLY, JACQUI.EMILY & BARBARA



OLD CIY JERUSALEM

ALLY ACTION HOCKEY



CATHY'S FRIEND MICHELLE



SJANI; SUZANNE AND COLIN AFTER A BEACH RUN AND SWIM


BARBARA IN CAPE TOWN
MICHAEL OPERATION
ALLY U14 EP HOCKEY TRIALS
ALLY PLAYS AT NMMU ASTRO OLD GREY ACADEMY
ISABEL GIDDY 21ST BIRTHDAY
BEACH RUNNING
FATHERS DAY
BUCHU
TRIP TO ISRAEL; FULL STORY IN SEPARATE BLOG


Adrienne Wilson has left a legacy in Port Elizabeth. Adrienne has set up and made sure that we best use the Beach Front of PE; Every Saturday morning we meet at the Beach (Red Windmill -- Hobie Beach) for a 10 or 15kay run and swim. Now it is June, the temperature is dropping but we are there on Saturday mornings having our run and swim.

June 2011. This month is our Israel trip. We cannot wait and are counting down the days.

Wednesday 1st I am in East London; Christo collects me and we work in Butterworth this morning. He drops me back at Chimneys B & B and I drive home.

Thursday 2nd. Ally is up very early for Water Polo practise. I am able to go for a run this morning. There are none of the Slow group there so I go on ahead, let the fast group overtake me and then meet them as they are down at Erica School. We finish together.
I collect Barbara at midday and drop her off at the airport. She flys to CT to be with Michael in Hospital as his operation will be on Friday.

Friday 3rd: I drop Ally off at school. She is writing exams and seems to be reasonably confident when I collect her in the afternoon. I take her and Meghan Derry to U14 EP hockey trials. I have to go back to work but hear later that Ally plays three games.


ALLY ACTION HOCKEY


Mark tells me that the second game was a good one. I see the last of the three and am happy with her play. The trials are at NMMU. We rush home and return an hour later for the Old Grey Academy game against PEG's. The last time we played them the light failed and with 10 minutes of play to go and the score at 3;1 up the game was abandoned. The academy team played well against a strong PEG's team and won the match 3;1. Terry brought some wine and another couple brought sherry. It was a good social evening on the benches for the parent support group.

We receive a message that Michael's operation took 4 hours and that he was in pain afterwards. The surgeon removed the malignant Nodes and had to remove part of his Kidney. There is nothing that the family can do so they leave for the night.

It is Isabel's 21st Birthday. Julia flys to CT for the party. Patrick is there.



MOM'S DUCKS



Saturday 4th. I start off the morning with a Beach Run. It is an easy run this morning. We start at 6am from Hobie beach: Susan Burri; John and Anne Du Randt; Lawrence; Mike Dean;Adrienne Wilson; and a friend of Adrienne, Debbie from Michigan; Adrian Smith and Colin McCall make up the Group. Pat and Gerald are in the UK for John's Wedding.

Ronel tells us that they had a really rough flight but this morning they are doing a run with John in an area called Bushy Park. For us it is another beautiful morning in PE. As we run down 2nd avenue we see the red sky of the morning sunrise. It is chilly but Adrienne and I still have our swim. Ron and Lyn are also on the beach. The water is brisk but certainly not too cold for a refreshing dip. As we are swimming the sun finally rises over the ocean. We spot a pod of dolphins just to add to the beauty of the day. As we drive home we see Suzanne, Maryna and Allan finishing off their longer run.

Ally is home alone but still fast asleep. I wake her up and go off to work for a while. She is in the middle of exams and has to do some study.


SPEKBOOM PLANT THAT WE RECEVIED AT BAVIAANSKLOOF RUN IN SEPTEMBER 2010. THIS PLANT HAS NOT GROWN ONE CENTIMETER


This afternoon I continue reading the John Grisham Novel that I have been reading. But sit in the sun in the lounge and promptly fall asleep. Ally wakes me in time to take her to Hockey. She has another Old Grey Acadamey game. They play a Pirates team (Mauraders) this after noon. I sit with Robin & .. Fourie; Terry, Carmel and Lauren Bilson; Claire (Michaela's Mother); Shereen (Kaitlin's mother); Catherine (Alex's mother). As always it is a good social afternoon and to top it all it is an exciting match which we win 2;1.

Micheal woke up in reasonably good spirits this morning. Barbara spent the morning watching the boys play Soccer before visiting Michael. It seems that he is too tired to talk.

Sunday 5th morning. Ally and I have a relaxed morning at home.

Monday 6th to Friday; This week Barbara is in Cape Town. I do an East London Trip on
Tuesday but otherwise we stay at home for most of the time. Michael is recovering from his operation. He returns home on Monday and spends the week at home trying to build up some strength.





ALLY AND DAD HAVE SUPPER AT ST ELMO'S WHEN BARBARA IS IN CAPE TOWN


Saturday 11th; I am able to run at the beach with our little group. We end up with a swim. Last week our fridge of 25 odd years finally packed in completely. Chris Bury the fridge tech said that it was rubbish. So on Friday afternoon I had done a little shopping around and finally decided to buy the fridge from Rafi's. Their price and service was better than our own. This morning the fridge was delivered before we left for hockey.


NEW FRIDGE


Ally has Hockey at Pearson (NMMU Astro turf). It is a long anticipated game. Our team start off with a lifted goal in the first few minutes and then fight to defend all attacks until finally they score a second goal to make the final score 2;0 to Collegiate. This evening Ally had planned to watch movies with her friends but that did not work out and we had an evening together at home.



ALLY COLLEGIATE U14A HOCKEY TEAM




We see Cathy's friend Michelle at the Hockey. Michelle is Billy Scheepers' sister in law. Billy has a daughter who plays hockey. We sometimes see him at the hockey.



CATHY'S FRIEND MICHELLE AT HOCKEY

Sunday 12th; Ally and I laze at home until it is time to collect Barbara from the airport. I am able to attend church this evening.

Monday 13th I start with a run. I am not feeling strong and cut short. This evening I am leading our cell group in the book we are currently working through: "What is so amazing about Grace?"

Tuesday 14th I am up early and drive though to King Williams Town where I do a branch visit. Later I drive to Stutterheim where we are opening a new shop.




ROWENA AND NICKY AT THE HEAD OFFICE CONFERENCE

Wednesday 15th; We fly to Jhb early this morning where we have a meeting presented by David Sussman; Tilly (an office lady retiring who gives a talk about her life in JDG and the way her children have graduated as nurses and an electrician while she has a Grandson who is studying in Senegal and says he wants to work in JDG. Sean Summers speaks about the days he had in Pick & Pay. We are not able to find a flight home so we stay over at the Airport Grand Hotel. It is not so grand as the Buffet supper is not available, The menu is poor and in the morning there is no hot water.

Thursday 16th. It is a public holiday in RSA. My running group is at the beach for a run / swim. GRRR! I am in Jhb. I am up early for a shower but the hotel has no hot water. So I end up not showering nor shaving. We fly at 06.30am to PE. I then spend the morning at work and the afternoon trying to recover. Barbara and I go to CUM Books where I have a voucher. We buy some books and cards to take to Israel. This afternoon I have a short Nippers Meeting at Liesl DeLange's home with Tracey and Dianne. We make some plans for the new season. I finally agree to accept a Chairman's Nomination if elected.

Friday 17th; It has rained and blown the whole night. Adrienne was due to run with me as she leaves for Canada later this morning. But I ended up doing a short run on me own into the wind. I really needed the excersize after a tough week. We have a short meeting in Grahamstown to pass on some of the information that we learned in JHB.
This evening we have family fellowship at Claudine and Cronje van Zyl. It is an evening of Pizza and we watch a DVD of a speech given by Penny Heynes. Inspirational and interesting to listen to this swimming hero who won a double gold medal at Atlanta Olympics. Ally is at a friends party.


SJANI; SUZANNE AND COLIN AT THE BEACH RUN AFTER A SWIM

Saturday 18th June 2011
The day starts with a run at the beach. This morning I do not collect Adrienne as she is in Vancouver with her brother Gavin and sister. I meet up with Adrian Smith, Colin Mcall; Suzanne Gendall; Susan Burri; Ben Carver; Sjani Human; Michael Dean; Anne duRand; Lawrence. We run along the beach front to Walmer Boulevard and at the top we turn left towards the Graveyard. We run to the Caltex filling station in Forest Hill we have some water and head along Strandfontein road to second ave; Here some of the runners turn down to Hobie while a group of us carry on to Admiralty Way. Down Admiralty Ben and I are loving the morning with the Ocean and sunrise ahead of us. It has been a cool crisp morning with an onshore breeze. We reach the promenade and run along to to Summerstrand lifesaving where Suzanne and I run next to the beach front.


THE BAGPIPES GREET US AS WE EMERGE FROM THE SWIM

We have run hard but I feel great this morning. As we reach Hobie Beach we are greeted by Adrienne's friends; Debbie (from Chicago) and her friend. Ron is in the waves. Ben, Sjani and I join him in the water. The sea is cold but not biting cold. The wind is making the waves choppy and there is a good swell which allows me to take a good few body surfing. As we emerge from the surf we hear the distinctive sound of Bagpipes. On the promenade is a lone Bagpiper in full kit playing this most amazing music. Andre Erasmus is also there taking pictures of some Bikers in the background and this piper. Simply making a stunning morning even more stunning.



It takes me quite a while this morning to thaw out. My hands remain cold for a few hours after we finished the run. I collect the TomTom windscreen holder that I ordered on-line. Then I spend the rest of the morning at work. Barbara and I have some shopping to do; I buy a running back pack for Michael. Barbara buys some singing dolls for the children. Later we drive to the beach where I check on the keys that I have for the Nippers Cage and hand these over to Liesl DeLange. I also buy some Amarula and Brandy to take to Israel.


OH THE PIPES ARE PIPING

Sunday 19th; It is Fathers Day. Ally comes through to the bedroom and gives me a sleepy hug. Barbara is asleep after a night long reading session. I become restless and take my bicycle out for a ride; I cycle up Cape Road to William Moffet; to Builders Warehouse and down Buffelsfontein road to 6th Ave. Down 6th ave to RIver road and then end riding up Target Kloof. This takes me around an hour and I am nice and tired afterwards. I dont cycle nearly enough.



OWL OUTSIDE OUR HOUSE IN MILL PARK MAKES NEIGHBOURING BIRDS UPSET


Mom and Ally take me out to Breakfast at Valley Harvest; A really delicious meal and very filling. Then Barbara and I visit Woolworths to buy Jacqui a pepper and salt grinder. I take the rubbish to the Tip. This is an essential weekly exercise as the rubbish seems to bulid up very quickly. There is an owl in the tree just outside our driveway. It is a stunning bird that tends to upset the smaller birds in the trees around. A little later we go to Bloomingdales Nursery where we buy a Buchu plant.

http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-buchu.htm

A strong antiseptic, diuretic and cleansing herb that increases perspiration. Used for urinary tract infections and prostate problems.
Used for bloating while menstruating, reducing high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Used specifically to treat bladder infection.


saw a program on TV one morning; Agricultural show. They spoke about Buchu
as an additive to brandy and as a healing herb.
It is good for renal problems and all kinds of other tummy aliments.
See; http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-buchu.htm


This morning I spoke to Nicci and then Cathy who said that we should try PE
nurseries. I had thought that this would be a Western Cape Specific plant.
But it is sold in a nursery close to our home. So today we purchased a
plant.

Fathers Day present to me.
19.06.2011



BUCHU

Had a good little run with Ben and Susan Burri this morning. I am sure that I must be sounding like a stuck record talking about our trip to Israel. We cut short but still the run was enough to get the blood flowing. Had a busy day at work. Did the blood donation thing. Cell group was cancelled so had a monday off.

Tuesday 21st.\Still running everyday. `i want to be as fit as possible for our trip to Israel. Did a few last minute things; bought some biltong at Woolies. And found some Marshmellow easter eggs for Jacqui. THen added some local chocolates for good measure. I was fortunate enough to earn a small bonus this month and used all of this cash to buy some US$. The Exchange does not keep sheckels. Completed the packing of three of the four suitcases and wrapped them in bubble wrap with some tape that I had bought. I really did not feel like arriving in Tel Aviv to find that the presents that we had painstakingly sought out had been stolen. So now it is only the final small bag in which cosmetics will be packed in the morning to seal. \\

Wednesday 22nd; D-Day. We leave today. I was up at 04.30, washed and shaved and packed the wrapped suitcases into the boot of the car. I was completely ready and so decided that I could have a run this morning; even it was to be a shortie. As I left I met up with Elmaire and we did a round Grey before joining the rest of the group. I just went around the park before heading home. As I ran up to the house I met Edelene who was shocked to hear that I would be leaving in an hour. \

I had miscommunicated with Jaco and he arrived an hour early to pick us up. I had a quick shower, wrapped the last bag and did a quick check to make sure that we had everything that we had planned to take. Jaco dropped us off at the airport where we were nice and early for the 8am flight to JHB. Barbara, Ally and I had a Coffee, met with Terry Billson who was on her way to watch JC Superstar this evening. And Andrew Binning who was on a business trip. We checked the four wrapped bags all the way through to Israel so when we arrived in JHB we had plenty of time to check in. We sat on the balcony looking out for our Ethiopian Airline Jet. We mistakenly thought that we would be in this huge Arabic Airplane but eventually boarded a much smaller plane.

We were saving a good amount of money flying Ethiopian and this was apparent when we boarded. But we had a reasonable flight which left Jhb at 14.30 and arrived in Addis Ababa at around 9.30pm. We were immediately called to Gate One and so missed out on having something to drink in the restaurants. Not that we would have missed much. There are no smoking restrictions at this airport. This is so strange to us. We looked for some Lipice for Ally and then checked in; only to wait for a further 90 minutes. Finally we boarded our last flight for the day. We were first onto the plane. This was to ensure that we had place for our carry bags as we had trouble on the previous flight. I was really thirsty as you are not allowed to take any beverages through the XRAY machines. And pleased that I had a couple of minature brandies with me. So as soon as the drinks trolley came around I asked for a couple of cokes and was able to enjoy my evening drink. \\

While we did not sit in luxury we were quite okay on this flight. We left Addis Ababa at 23.00 and arrived in Tel Aviv at 03.40am.
We has slept on and off but you are never able to really have a good sleep on an international flight such as this one. The plane was parked a very long was from the terminal building. We drove through and then felt the difference between Addis Ababa and Tel Aviv. Clean smart airport with escalators that worked and no smoking anywhere. I had opted to wear shorts today and was pleased about this decision. We were hot and sweaty. All of these hot bodies in a cramped airplane -- I am sure that there must have been a strong body odour.

We had a reasonably long wait for the luggage but were happy to see all four bags on the roundabout; still securely wrapped in bubble wrap. We walked though the "Nothing to Declare" section hoping that we would not be asked to open our bags. And then emerged in Tel Aviv to see Jacqui, Michael, Emily and Annabelle waiting for us. The two little ones were a little apprehensive but we were soon on good terms. Michael had to go to work so they had brought two cars; We loaded all the luggage into Jacqui's Ford Focus; A really big boot which could take more luggage than my Merc at home. And Jacqui drove us to their home in Binyamina. It was just dawn and the traffic was light. I dozed off in the back seat with the two little ones.

At Jacqui's house we unpacked the suitcases and handed out all the presents that we had accumulated including those sent from Cape Town by Nicky. An important gift for Jacqui was a certificate to say that she did not have a criminal record. Many years ago Jacqui had been in a motor accident and was found liable. This meant that she had a criminal record in SA. We had been working for the past two years to try to clear her name. To have a criminal record could mean deportation from Israel adn could mean that she would have to close her school. We had finally received the clearance about a month ago and so this certificate was really important to her.

For us we had already had a long morning and Barbara & Ally opted for a sleep while Jacqui and I took the children to the Nursery that Jacqui runs. Jacqui has staff who run the nursery for her. She supervises and does a certain amount of the work. Jenny is the main assistant. Jenny makes food for the children; Two cooked meals a day. There is plenty of play area for the children with lots of swings and jungle gyms to keep them busy. A huge pepper tree gives the whole play area shade. This is supplemented with some shadecloth that Jacqui has stretched over the playground.

The children and parents started to arrive. The staff consists of Jenny who is the main assistant, Elanore, Jenny's Niece, and a new lady who is Trying Out. Jacqui had to deal with a conflict situation where a Dad became overbearing and demanding. jacqui handled it without upsetting too many people.

Meanwhile I was witnessing a really interesting little act that was being played out;
A boy arrives with a huge carrot for the rabbits. The rabbits are in a tupperware plastic while their cage is being cleaned out. He sticks the carrot in front of the Rabbit's noses and they show no interest at all. This goes on for a while before Annabelle relieves him of his burden. Annabelle then divides the carrot into two and hands half to Emily. The two of them attempt to feed the Rabbits who again turn their twitching noses up at the carrots even though they are now two of them being pointed at the noses of the Rabbits.

Emily and Annabell having lost the fight to feed the rabbits join in the fun and pour sand over the rabbits incase they needed some nature to be added to the Tupperware. They still have the carrots in their hands and naturally begin to chew on the carrot which is now in two halves. Annabelle looks as me and asks in Hewbrew whether I am hungry and would like to join her for a breakfast of stolen carrot which afterall had been repeatedly rejected by the intended recipients. Without waiting for my response Annabelle bites of a small piece and hands it to me. I eat this stolen and rejected morsel. Annabelle continues with play and romping. The Carrot (half) hits the dust, Annabelle picks it up and dusts it off with her dress and tastes it. Clearly the sand does not make too much of a negative impact on the taste this contraband as Annabelle continues with the morning snack.

The two young girls move over to the sand pit. Now the sand in the sand pit is beach sand while the sand into which the carrot has been falling was rich red soil. So when the carrot falls again and Annabelle brushes it off on her dress again this does not work. The sand pit sand must be much grittier because after the next bite Annabelle moves to the edge of the sandpit and proceeds to spit the offending bits out of her mouth. This time she gives the carrot a much more substantial wipe and is able to crunch away at the carrot. Finally with not much left the carrot takes a last fall into the sand pit where a last inspection decides the destiny of the carrot; It is burried in the sand pit for ever.

During this whole activity I must have been laughing and crying so much that I attracted the attention of the minature students
who would approach me and enquire as to what I was going on about. Fortunately I had Emily translate their Hewbrew to English for me.

Jacqui completed her conflict resolution and we headed back to her home.

This afternoon Emily has ballet classes, Michael returned from work, Barbara and Ally had another sleep and I read my Spud 2 book. It was a hot and humid day and when Michael suggested we go to the beach I jumped at the suggestion. We loaded up two cars and drove down to the beach. I realised that my plan to run there would not happen. The roads are either too busy or have no shoulder on which runners can safely run. Today was my first swim in the Medditeranean Sea for about 20 years. Barbara and I had been to Nice (france) many years ago and we had swum in a miserable sea which had absolutely no sea life and no sea sand. This afternoon Michael and I swam out for a short but refreshing swim in warm water. I have been swimming every Saturday after the run but in Freezing cold water. I had been looking forward to this swim for so long and was not at all disappointed.

Emily was stung by a tiny jelly fish. She was attended to and then we ended our beach outing with an ice cream that ended dripping all over their legs and costumes. It was now around 7pm. People were arriving on the beach at that time with deck chairs. Back home we would have had our supper and would be thinking about bed time. Michael had safely driven from Cape Town to PE today. My family uses a communication tool called "Whats up?" It seems quite successful as they communicate between continents all day.

Back at Jacqui's house we had a supper of Cottage Pie and Broccoli pie. I had brought a bottle of KWV and Klipdrift and so had an evening drink. We had a really long day with Travel from home and a full day of activity so I was happy to get into bed just before 10pm.

Friday 23rd June
this is our second day in Israel. Michael and I wake up before the rest of the group and go for an early morning jog. This is also another of the things that I have been looking forward to. RIght next to Jacqui's house is an orchard. It is not fenced in and we run alongside the trees on a dirt track. We emerge on a main road which we cross and run next to an orchard of Avocado trees. We come across some men attending a field of peach trees. They have started early --- probably to avoid the heat of the day. It is only just past 6am and I am already sweating. We double back to see an old building which is a monument to Benjamin Rosthschild who was the founder of Binyamina (Israeli for Benjamin). He purchased huge tracts of land (30 000 acres) which he gave to farmers in the 1920's. These farmers work the fields by day and travel home each evening. From here we ran through the village and the Binyamina winery. We then came to the rail line where we saw another monument to the founders of Binyamina called the gates of Binyamina. From there we ran under the rail bridge and back home. We had taken an hour to run around 7kays. Jacqui had to go to school so after a quick shower I joined her. Jenny had made some cookies for Barbara. I had coffee and a pastry with them and greeted the various parents as they dropped their children. A Friday in Israel is the same as our Saturday. Here the children are taken to Friday (Saturday) School for a half a day. School was run as normal.


Michael, Ally and I did some chores; fix the lights on the car, had the puncture repaired, bought some braai stuff for this evening; meat, bread and special pastries and then some special weed spray for Jacqui's nursery. We also did a short ride around an Adrab area which, although it is old and established is not well cared for. The streets are very narrow, pot holed and the local people do a lot of "street living'. Jacqui had a gardener there this morning taking out the thorny weeds and hopefully the spray will make a more permanent difference.

We spent the afternoon relaxing until Michael's mother and brother arrived from Tel Aviv. We decided to go for a beach swim before starting the braai; Gili, Michael, Annabelle and I drove down to the beach where we first looked at what appears to be a smart beach with smart restaurants but poor bathing area. Then we found another beach where there is an ancient aquaduct that used to supply Ceasarea with water. Here we were able to have a short refreshing swim. Jenny and her son arrived a little later; Michael made a braai on his gas braai while the rest of us sat around chatting and catching up on family news. Really nice relaxed evening. After a couple of beers, Amarula, white wine and Brandy and Cokes I was ready to "check up on the Children". Jacqui had put them into her bed with Shreck playing on the lap top. That was enough to put me to sleep for the night.

Saturday morning; Today is like our Sunday; But of many years ago when nothing opens. We started off with our run through orchards; We found a=orchards of Pommegrana te, Figs, Grape vines, loquats, and best of all we found some ripe peaches which we picked ate and loaded some in Michael's backpack. We ran along an aquaduct and I was surprised to find that we were now behind Jacquis school. We found some blackberries which we also picked and loaded some (in toilet paper) into the backpack. This morning we had run 11kays in around 80minutes. An easy relaxed run / walk in the early morning sun. We had run mainly through the fields and orchards and had passed a number of cyclists.

Back home; shower and shave and ready to leave for Jerusalem for the weekend (Shabat).

We drove through to Jerusalem in one car; There were 7 of us in the car. In Israel the children have to be in a car seat and the police are very fussy about this. So we had to have the two little children in the back seat with Barbara, Ally and Jacqui and duck them down every time we saw a police car. The drive to Jerusalem was just over an hour. I was surprised to see how hilly the city is. The costal area is reasonably flat. As we drove into Jerusalem, Michael took us past the house of the Prime Minister; Benjamin Netanyahu where there is a protest in support of a soldier that has been captured by the Palestinians five years ago. The family of this man has set up a tent outside of the PM's residence. They hand out yellow ribbons to passing traffic. Netanyahu is not as popular as the President, Simon Peres who is practically his next door neighbour in Jerusalem. Michael's father is Yurom and he lives with his wife, Nava and daughter Shaka. They live on the third (top) floor of an apartment building near to the middle of Jerusalem.

We off loaded our luggage and drove in two cars to the Old City. Here we walked around for a while before we were able to find the room where the Last Supper is to have taken place. It is an upstairs room, off another room. There is no apparent kitchen anywhere but as this happened 2000 years ago all kinds of things could have changed. The room has Stain Glass windows and an inset marble statue. The room is small & I was surprised to see that there was no restricted entrance. In the room were a number of benches, people sitting and praying and when we arrived there was a group of Spanish speaking people praying for each other and as a group.

Below the room of the last supper we went into what is called David's Tomb. The men and ladies go in separate entrances. Here too there is an amount of praying and reverence for the area.

we wandered around the Old City with all the high walls of stone. People have been encouraged to live here. This gives the area authenticity. There are shops in every little "nook and cranny". We found the Wailing Wall. Here too the ladies and gents have separate entrances. Men must wear a head dress; my Nippers Cap was considered suitable. The ladies had to wear a shawl which was provided at the entrance. Michael showed us where the Arab section was on the other side of this high wall. At one time the Arab people would throw stones down onto the people praying below. Now there is a truce. Army presence is apparent. These men and women carry semi automatic weapons with live ammunition. Yurom and I walked down to the wall and into the prayer area. Here there is a huge library of bibles. Men take the plastic chairs provided and sit and pray and read their bibles. Mostly aloud. Many fall asleep during their prayers. I don't feel so bad about falling asleep in church now! There is one area where you are able to stand on some very strong glass and look down into the catacombs below.

There are fountains of water with cups provided. It was a hot afternoon and I enjoyed a drink of water and washed my face and "hair" to cool down a bit. We found a tunnel which led to a narrow road. We wandered down this narrow road pushing the buggy with the children in it. The road was busy with locals and tourists. All kinds of food and tourist stuff is up for sale. Ally bought herself a Jerusalem Hoody. We bought some bread. It is a kind of circular seed loaf almost like a large bagel. the vendor provides you with a small packet of spicy dip almost like salt and pepper mix. We bought some cold drink from a man who carries a huge brass dispenser on his back and pours a cup of this natural juice from it. In South Africa the only equivalent is the Beer Vendors that you may see at Cricket Matches.

We wandered along the Via Del Rosa which is supposed to be the road where Jesus had to carry his cross on the day he was crucified. These roads have a smooth cobbled surface. Almost shiny and slippery. As we walked the local people showed us the various "stations' where Jesus is said to have had to pause. There are also chapels along the route. It is a long road and it was a hot dry afternoon. I had brought a Runners Backpack for Michael. He had filled the bladder and we had a constant supply of water to drink. But still it had been a long tiring day so far so we took a taxi from the bottom of the hill up to the place where we had parked the cars. The taxi would not take the whole family so Yurom and I walked up.

We had a bit of a rest before setting off again this evening. Nava made us some lunch. The table was full of salads, Chicken, Bean concoction and various humus looking mixtures. It was Shabat and the shops would only open about an hour after the first star appeared. So at around 8pm as it became dark we decided to take a walk to a local shopping centre. Barbara needed reading glasses as hers had been sat on and broken. And I needed a beer after all of the day's activity. As we walked along a cobbled pathway I pointed out that I could see a star. Unfortunately it turned out to be the lights of an airplane. But shortly thereafter we saw a real star and I knew that it could not be long before the first pub would be open. We found this open air shopping centre. It is a magnificent place that has been blended into the Old City. Tiny blue lights are strung over the center and the shops are magnificent. Probably very expensive: Nike. H Stern and similar famous brand names are evident. Barbara and I found a pharmacy - Super Pharm - where we bought a pair of reading glasses. The cashier pointed out that they had a One for One promotion so we chose a second pair for free. Still expensive by Clicks standards.

Michael found us a seat in a restaurant that overlooked the city. It was an open air couch type of setting. We were high above the roads and could see across the ruins, graveyards and residential areas below. Yurom ordered us beers and a couple of plates of eats. It took a little while but soon we had two plates with cheeses and fresh raw vegetables served. The beer was a cold draught and did not touch sides. So when the waitress arrived I ordered another two beers. She asked me if I wanted a third and as Michael's glass was still pretty full I answered that we just wanted two. I showed two fingers to illustrate. She could speak English and so when she asked again do we want a third I tried to explain carefully that we just wanted TWO beers please. It turned out that she was asking if we wanted a third of a liter and not a third beer. Yurom complained about the poor service when the chips did not arrive on time. They were most apologetic and offered us a free desert of waffle and Ice cream as compensation. Meanwhile Barbara and I thought that the service was really good for a busy restaurant like this one. Michael explains that Israeli's love to complain. It was late and the second beer was making us all a bit sleepy. We walked down to the main road where Michael hailed a taxi to take us home. It has been a fun filled and active day.

Sunday 26th June. Our fourth day in Israel. Yurom made us a breakfast of Toast and eggs. There is currently a kind of boycott of the Cottage Cheese as it is too expensive at around R25 for a small tub. But this family has it with every meal and it is really good cottage cheese. We decided to visit the Holocaust Museum. The children were not allowed into the museum so Jacqui took them for a walk in the buggy while we went into the museum. It is a long Pyramid shaped building which crosses from left to right as you walk through a series of photographs, artifacts and movies made at the time. You are able to rent headsets to get a full explanation of each room. There are also guides for hire. We opted for a slow walk. Reading the explanations as we went from section to section. It was crowded with tourists and soldiers. The soldiers are taken there as a reminder of what it is that they are protecting. To really do this museum justice you should spend the greater part of a day there. Each room has a movie playing either with interviews or taken during the war.

There is also a room remembering the `Children lost in the Holocaust as well as a synagogue for special occasions. We met up with Jacqui and the children and decided to have a lunch and cold drink. we found a little Italian cafe on a street where we ordered pizza and a boglenaise dish. We ended with an Italian ice cream. Everything was really tasty and Ally declared that she was ready to settle in Italy. A running friend, Edelene Marias had given me a parcel to take to her parents in Jerusalem. He mother (Also Edelene) phoned and seemed quite anxious about this parcel; It contained chocolates which were in Yurom's fridge, a couple of Afrikaans magazines and some Masterton's coffee. We left it in the flat for them to collect in their own time as they were out of town at the moment. I am sorry I never saw them as I had promised Edelene that I would give them a South African hug.

Back in Yurom's flat some of the group were horizontal for a couple of hours. Shaka was back from her girl guides outing and spent the afternoon playing with the children. Jacqui hired a movie on line. It is possible to go onto their equivelant of DSTV and search for the latest movies and then play the movie "on demand". You now have access to this movie for the next 48 hours. I also learned later on that DVD hire is as simple as a street vending machine; You are able to insert your credit card, choose a movie and then return the movie to the same vending machine within 24 hours. If you are late or steal the movie then you are charged accordingly on your card. Sounds like a good business for RSA. Michael's brother, Gili, is a diamond salesman. He travels to America every couple of weeks and often carries up to $500 000 worth of diamonds with him. recently on a return trip he had forgotten to walk through the Red Zone (something to declare) at the airport and had been arrested. He was questioned for a couple of hours and then released. Today he had to be in court where he was again questioned about his activity. It seems that he has to pay a fine. But we are not sure if this is the end of it or if he will have a criminal record.

Sunday afternoon Michael had a number of patients to see. He rents "rooms" in Jerusalem. Michael is a Psychologist and works in a hospital in Jerusalem and another one in Tel Aviv. His main source of income is from the private patients that he sees in his office in Binyamina and those that he sees in Jerusalem. When he had finished his day of work we loaded ourselves in the car and headed back to the Old City. Here Michael had discovered a Light Show in the Tower of David building. The building is a restored castle. The show that we saw was an amazing light, movie and sound spectacle from the begining to modern times in Jerusalem. The movie / lights played against the inner walls with an appropriate music backing. It is impossible to describe what we experienced that evening; suffice to say that everyone loved the show.

It had been another full day. Michael drove us home to Binyamina. It is an open toll road that registers on a little gadget on the front windscreen and debits your credit card. The drive took us around 90 minutes but I slept most of the way. In the back seat was myself, Ally, Jacqui and the two little ones on her lap. Jacqui had found a street cat which is blind. This little kitten had traveled from Binyamina to Jerusalem and back. An amazing little creature that seems to be adapting to it's blindness and is able to move around with feel and smell.

Monday 27 June. Our 5th day in Israel. Jacqui goes off to the Nursery (Gun). Michael goes to work in Tel Aviv. The court case with Gili (Michael's brother) was reported in the local newspapers -- Financial sections - accusing him of being a diamond smuggler. What had happened was that Gili sells diamonds on behalf of an Israeli firm and on a return trip from USA he had approached the Nothing to Declare -- Green Zone and had been stopped while having diamonds in his bag. Now the customs, Tax and other legal people are making much more of it than it deserves.

This morning I drove on the right hand side for the first time in many years. It is a bit of an unnerving experience. But I did a bit of driving Jacqui back and forth so became more and more used to this way of driving. At first it had felt uncomforatble having an open space on my right hand side in the car. At the Nursery (Gun) I was given breakfast and coffee while talking to two dad's; More and Amnon. More is a bicycle teacher. His dad runs two bike shops in Binyamina and he teaches from very young to ride bikes. He takes groups of youngsters on trail rides. It seems that it is not unusual to see More being a kind of Pide Piper with up to 15 young boys and girls following him through the fields. More takes care of their 5 month old baby while Cherry his wife works in Tel Aviv. Amnon also has a child in the Nurserey and his wife is Maya who also works. Amnon does contract work and is often away from home for long periods.

Binyamina is a town of about 2000 addresses (8000 people) to the north of Tel Aviv and is surrounded by orchards and fields. Mount Carmel is the local place for hiking and bike activities. Another town adjacent to Binyamina is Zichron Ja acov (Jacob's dream). This and Ceasarea are some of the more wealthy towns of Israel.

This afternoon Jacqui went back to the Nursery while Barbara, Ally and I took care of Emily and Annabelle at a local park. Michael spent the evening with Gili and his dad Yurom in Tel Aviv. We had an early supper and watched some movies.

Tuesday Morning 28th.
This morning I was not feeling that well. It is a case of in the hot sun and perspiring and then into an airconditioner house or car. I am sure that this is what is giving me a kind of hangover feeling. Michael and I had a long walk this morning. we walked across the village to the rail line and then followed the Rail Line back towards the village before heading home. I find that there are a good number of people walking but they do not tend to greet in the same friendly way to which I am accostomed at home. Jacqui likes to be at the Nursery early and to greet the parents. She is then able to leave for most of the day as Jenny and Eli Nor take care of day to day running.



REST OF ISRAEL STORY IN SEPARATE BLOG