The weather has changed with a vengeance! Within a couple of weeks the hot days of summer have been replaced by cold and wet weather. Since Sunday morning the rain has bucketed down continuously. Port Edward and Palm Beach have reported figures of between 200mm to 400mm falling over the past two days, with more rain expected. There have been reports of houses being flooded and damaged and roads are being eroded. Holiday makers are sadly not having much beach fun.

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Frequent fliers

Pat and Louis Fourie of Mbabala Lodge, Munster just cannot ‘stay put’. They are intrepid travellers who always find exciting things to do. On February 16 they set off for New Zealand to visit their middle son Jimmy, a psychologist, his wife Leana, a trauma specialist, and their three children who live in Wellington. In Johannesburg their flight was cancelled due to engine problems, and they then had to fly via Dubai.

They had an exhausting three days of flying and then found their luggage did not arrive with them. They waited another two days for their bags. Despite the frustrating start, they had a marvellous holiday. The junior Fouries decided to relocate to New Zealand 12 years ago so that they could live a lifestyle of adventure and outdoor activities.

Pat and Louis enjoyed being with the family for a trail run as well as a lifesaving event and triathalon with the grandchildren. After landing in Johannesburg after their seven week visit to New Zealand, Pat and Louis travelled to the Free State to visit their other two children and grandchildren. These two ‘seniors’ are an inspiration!

Inspiring India
Your scribe has also been globe trotting. She and travel companion, Mark Gettliffe flew to Mumbai, India three weeks ago. This was Mark’s fourth visit to India and your scribe’s first. The pair visited mainly Southern India with a four-day visit to Jaipur in Rajasthan. The palaces, forts and temples around Jaipur were breathtaking. Your scribe found that while India had a very different culture, the people were amazingly friendly and helpful, and in spite of poverty, they are cheerful, humble and honest. The heat in India (sometimes 44 degree) was very uncomfortable but it was an amazingly gratifying experience.

On-going celebrations
Joey Anderson of Mbabala Lodge celebrated her 90th birthday on April 13. Joey has lived in the area since 1992 and has become a popular and involved member of the community.

She travelled up to Pretoria with her daughter-in-law, Louise Bouwer, to celebrate the milestone with her family. She was then treated to a second celebration at Mbabala Lodge on the 17th when the residents gave her a slap-up dinner of prawn starter, chicken a la king, and a delicious Black Forest trifle. Forty friends/residents thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with such a special lady. Joey is a keen bowler at the Munster Bowling club. Fellow bowlers are planning a third birthday party for Joey at the club this week… she has been very spoiled this year….but deserves it!

All news to Philippa

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