Rob in the ‘Hood: ‘Don’t get around much anymore’
It doesn't help when the kitchen clock has stopped; unnoticed at first, until one realises it has been the same time on the clock 'all day'.
One of the side effects of this Covid bug is that we lose any reality of time. True?
Many a time (pardon the pun) the CO and myself ask each other what day is it?
It doesn’t help when the kitchen clock has stopped; unnoticed at first, until one realises it has been the same time on the clock ‘all day’.
We know it is still January, but surely it’s only the second week of the month?
On 21 January, I sent out an optimistic message to many of our friends saying that, at 9pm, it will be the 21st hour of the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century, so let’s have a glass of champagne to celebrate.’
The response was underwhelming. Maybe it was because I had posted the message on the 22nd January, the day after!
Welcome, Stranger!
Visitors slowed to a trickle over the recent holiday season; however, we were delighted to receive an old friend, who ventured south of the Umkomazi river to sample the delights of our neck of the woods.
Rosemary Turner, now residing in upper Pinetown, had wandered down to Scottburgh to visit old friends.
Rosemary decided to take a chance and perhaps visit the Fidlers.
The big question was: ‘Is it safe? Where you are? Can I come down? I’m in Umdoni; I thought I would like to see you two.’
Our response was: ‘Well, we think it’s safe; no sign of the Big Bad Wolf here. Come on down.’
Unsinkable Molly Brown
Within a few hours the Unsinkable Molly Brown, that’s our Rosie, was outside our gate. She keyed in the correct password – Man City forever – the gates opened, and in drove Her Serene Highness Rosemary Turner, persona very much grata.
After six years of cajoling her to visit us, she had arrived, resplendent in her spanking nearly-new car.
Time for lots of catch-up news, all done in 10 minutes; the $10 tour of the house and garden, and then, eat, drink and be merry.
For many lovers of classical music, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, the fine arts, Rosemary Turner has near-iconic status.
Personal assistant to Bongani Tembe, chief executive and artistic director of the KZNPO for 14 years, Rosemary was ‘the fixer’ for the institution.
From ‘importing’ internationally-renowned singers and musicians from many countries, to ‘exporting’ the 60-strong KZNPO on overseas concerts, organising visas, work permits, passports.
Even being an ‘agony aunt and broken-hearts mender’, Rosemary was indispensable.
Cross-Border Travel
Rosemary is well-travelled, having visited many countries around the world. After 44 years living in the Durban area, she considers herself qualified that she is truly and proudly South African.
Born and bred in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, Rosemary was secretary to a vibrant Fine Arts Club in Armagh, where children of all creeds and religions came together.
This was in the time of ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland; for Rosemary, only fond memories.
In 1977 she emigrated to the Promised Land, and has been here ever since.
Time waits for no man – or woman – and Rosemary had to make a ‘mad dash’ back to Scottburgh to beat the curfew.
It was all too short and sweet, but we extracted a promise from Tina Turner that she will return soon.
After all, she was delightfully surprised that we lived in a beautiful home in a lovely area.
And, take note, we ate with knives and forks, and, even had plates on the table!
Heartaches By The Number
With the month not over, we must all spare a thought for editor David Rush, and local St Mike’s resident Wally Williams.
They are in a dark moment.
Rushie has lost his appetite, and rejects all attempts to ease the pain.
Wally is under an even darker black cloud.
He won’t come out of his room, sitting alone in the dark; refusing to eat.
Rumour has it that he has thrown out his Liverpool FC shirts and his ‘I Love Liverpool’ eiderdown bed cover.
Seems that their all-conquering, invincible Liverpool haven’t won a game in six (or is it seven?) matches.
Worse still, they were knocked out of the FA Cup by (read very quietly!) Manchester United.
Even I, a die-hard Manchester City supporter, have sympathy for you guys.
Never mind, Rushie and Wally, a couple of choruses of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone might help your plight’.
I’m loving this!
See you, soon. Rob.
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