ronvrens

Pat and I were always animal lovers and she enjoyed birds. We always had some unusual pet such as the jackal, pig and a range of birds both healthy and with some disability. I always have my camery with me and these are some photo's I have taken of wild animals on and near the construction site. There have been sightings of many other animals by others. There is a resedent mole snake that lives near the canteen and catches any rodents that happen to arrive there. A lot of the people get the fright of their lives when walking down the path and the snake happens to be there. No animals are allowed to be harmed on our site. These are the pictures of the zebra and the two horses. there is also a blesbuck with them.

hello everyone Some people have a wonderful life just galavanting around the countryside all day and not doing a drop of work. Here most of us are slaving just to keep out of the poorhouse. Good weather here although the nights are getting chilly and the suns up later and down earlier. Seems as though I will be staying at this site a bit longer than I thought, till maybe the end of Julyt and then ???????? who knows. thats construction. But I dont think I would ever be happy in an office again. For the past few days we have had a visitor to the site. ita a zebra who has teamed up with a horse and her foal. It seems as though the horses also act wild. Well back to the grindstone for the second half. Chat again. Ronnie

Good day. Eric no more downloading unknown mail. Thats where most viruses come from. Chilly here today with misty rain. getting colder at night. This is where that jackal would have started snuggling up on the bed at night. Got to work tomorrow morning and then i will go down to Durban by the sea to carry on with the home renovations especially the cleaning up. Got the two daughters coming over the Easter weekend. My slave labour as they like to call it. Enjoy the day all Ronnie

Hello all Rained last night but today bright and sunny. Clouds building up on the horison so we might be in for an afternoon thunderstorm. Nights are gettin cooler as the winter approaches. This Ladysmith area can be very cold so its better when i go home to Durban where its semi tropical and much warmer. Durban can be very hot and humid in summer. Thanks for the advice Annette about pretending to still not hear. It could be an advantage to only hear what you want to. Ha Ha The site is getting quieter as the job draws near to completion and people start leaving. Thats the thing with construction everyone goes at some time as the job comes to an end. I havent been told where I will be going next. New work is starting all the time so lets hope its closer to home but it could also be further. Thats it for now Have a wonderful rest of the day Ronnie

Hi All You know I am sorry I didnt get hearing aids before. I think its self conscienceness and what people might say. I think with the old ones, they are called bannanas today, they were very conspicious but the ones I have if the hair groes just a bit more, remember I had it all cut off a few weeks ago, then they are almost invisible but I have such an improvement that i dont actually care what is said. The only downside is the price, I am now armless and legless. Bye

Hello All What a weekend. Monday evening about 9 got a sms to say must be at a meeting at 1030 on Tuesday. Got up before 4 and left for Ladysmith. The meeting was just a lot of hot air. Left and picked up my car and went back to Durban to see the audiologist. Now have two hearing aids. what a difference. No one can say anything about me now. The kitchen is in a shambles as there is rubble still to be removed but there was no time as I had to leave at 4 and there were a few things to secure. In total I did about 1000 kms this weekend. Now for the push until 20 April and a long break of about 12 days. Chat again. Ronnie

Morning all Well Im at home in Durban due to a sudden change of plans last week and am due to return to my other home and then its back to the grindstone on Wednesday. Went to collect my script from the doc and visit my audiologist. After all the years of not looking after my ears because I did not know that noise damages them beyond repair must now get hearing aid. Pat would have been glad as I battled to hear sometimes. The weather this morning was rain when I got up, then the sun came out and it got hot and humid and now its clouding over for some more rain. The work in the kitchen is going slowly as I decided to remove a wall that was serving no purpose. I think its easier to build than demolish. Helped a friend to collect some hardware as he doesnt have a van so he is happy now. Thats it must get back to the hammer and chisel again bye for now Ronnie

Hello All There are two types of Saturday for me. The one is when we don't have to work and i can go home on a Friday afternoon and the other is when I work and have to put in time until 2pm The day starts with getting up at about 4.45. A quick shower and dress, I normally dawdle a bit after the shower, have a cup of coffee and get my lunch ready. i have two little finches that Pat rescued when they were very tiny and they have to be cleaned and fed. i also go out and look for grasses that they like to eat. In the summer its already light at 5.30 but as we are in autumn it only gets light about 6 ish. When i have done all the necessary i pack all my necessary items for the day, computer camera and whatever I will need and load it into my van. Now we stay about 70 kms from the construction site and its about an hours drive. The road is narrow and windy. Ofter there are stray farm animals on the road and there have been accidents. So during the winter months its still dark when I travel. When I turn onto the private road that leads to the site, about 9 kms, there are two security checkpoints where vehicle and personal permits are checked. At the second one a alcohol test is done and any one found to be positive is refused entry. We have a culture amongst some of the population groups to drink and party most of the night and then want to go to work in the slightly under the weather state. Tomorrow Ill give an insite into what a sort of normal day at work is like. bye for now Ronnie

Is it ok if I give a bit of my day's activities here or is it only certain folk that may post Ronnie

When I was at home last weekend I made the decision to start sorting through Pats clothing and bits and pieces. Somehow it seemed to me that the time has come not to get rid of her possesions but as I have now accepted that she will never come back to rather let go of these items that still cause longing and grief. Yesterday I sorted through the clothes and lovingly packed them up and then took them to the Hospice and donated them. In this way I will be assisting them to help others that need the type of care we are not always able to give. I have kept a few Items that bring back good memories and just as a reminder of our love for each other. I am still saddened by the calous remarks of some people that say things like 'why dont you just throw all Pats stuff away' do they think that would make me forget her. I prefered to do it with dignity and at the time whe I felt it was right. It was not easy making that decision but I feel that it was right. There are still many things to go through and I would like to make the rite choice as to what must be discarded and what kept. Thanks

Thanks everyone for the good thoughts. I an sure that the jackals and especially Miya the leader who has part of her pack to help her. I will try and visit the centre this weekend.. Ronnie

Hello All i have just recieved an email informing me that Miya and the other jackals have been sucsessfully released into a private game reserve on the East Coast of Natal. Sometimes they have to act quickly when the oportunity of a good release location is found. A sad time for me as I dont think I will ever see her again but happy that she is free and doing what jackals do naturally. I have been asked if I will still visit the rehabilitation centre and i will as I enjoy the people and seeing the animals. i will post a photo of Miya and two other jackals just before they were caught and taken to the game reserve. Miya is the one at the back and the other two are the boys. Ronnie

Katie Thinking back now I feel that the spirit there was one of supporting each other. The mood was of fun and laughter but you could see in each ones eyes the sadness and grieving. I did it as my way of letting everyone know I care about everyone that has been affected by cancer. My site manager also cut his in support for those of us who have lost a loved one. Ronnie

The first is me under the clipper The second is me being spray painted The third is my daughter wielding with great concentration the clippers. this is the first time using a clipper

On Saturday 5 March South Africa held their annual SHAVATHON. This is an event where everyone that has in some way been touched by cancer. The Cancer Association of South Africa every year holds this day when all cancer affected people can draw attention to the fight against cancer. Every shopping centre has a setup where people can have their hair shaved off or for those that cannot, have their hair spray painted. I had my hair cut off in memory of Pat. My daughter helped shave heads all day and the queue never got shorter. There were old young ladies men children. it was very touching to see ladies with long hair just have it shaved off. Such is the determination to make people aware of cancer. There were a number of helpers who have some form of cancer and those that are survivors, people who live with cancer sufferers and those that have lost a loved one. I was touched to tears by the support given. I will post some of the photos taken there Ronnie

Hello everyone The reason for the absence this last while is twofold. Firstly I have been very busy at work as the safety manager has been promoted and I have taken his place. A step up the ladder also means more responsibility and work. Secondly, emotionally I have been struggling. There have been days that I could not focus properly because I was missing Pat so much and was constantly thinking about her. On the 18 February it was 8 months since she so suddenly passed on and I just could not seem to manage. I also could not cry and I think this was part of the problem. While I was at home that weekend I was looking through some of Pats things and found a poem that was given to her when our pig died. Well that brought on the tears and I really felt better that I could get rid of some of the built up tension and emotions. This past weekend I was at home for 4 days and really felt better. I also promised myself that I would not feel sad all the time enen when I thought of Pat and really missed her. I was actually sad to leave on Monday. I know I will always miss her and I will have bad sentiimental times but I will try and not be sad. Thanks for being concerned and for all the positive thoughts and help Ronnie.

The plan is for all the jackals to be released back into the wild. They have not been domesticated and the move to the bigger enclosure will prepare them for release. This might not happen until the summer arrives later in the year when food will be more readily available and they do not need to make proper burrows to shelter from the cold. I will very soon post some photos of the jackals and some other animals which are in the process of being prepared for release into the wild as soon as they are able to look after themselves.

On Sunday morning I did my duty and visited my adopted girl and also to pay my monthly dues. I was allowed to go directly to the cage but again she just hid away. The others all gave me a good looking over. they are all getting big exept for one thats still very young and small. I seem to be a part of the people at the centre as I had a cup of coffee and a long chat with the staff. They are preparing a new cage for them and it is bigger and theres bush and they will be able to catch insects and the odd mouse. I will post again soon ronnie

On Sunday morning after church I drove to the wildlife rehabilitation centre to visit my adopted jackal. At first I had to follow the open day crowd around and see the other animals being cared for. While the crowd were watching the baby baboons I was allowed to visit the jackal quarters. How these jackals have grown. I saw all except the back of Miya as she was hiding away from the sounds of the other visitors or perhaps sleeping. I could not get a photo as the wire mesh got in the way and there was no clear shot of her behind. I did manage to get a photo of some of the others although they were also a bit nervous due the the other sounds. I will go again as soon as I have a chance to go home again and hope I get a photo of her. What was told to me is that she is the alpha female being the eldest and she is the boss. It seems as though it will be some time before they are ready for release back into the wild and I will try and be there. Thanks to all for the interest shown Ronnie

During the holidays I did not find time to visit that little jackal Miya. I have now recieved an email asking why. I will go this weekend and see how she is. I believe she has grown and is the boss of the pack. i hope I will get a better photo I will post the results of the visit Till then Ronnie

I awoke this morning and just felt down as I remembered that it was seven months ago that my wife Pat passed away so suddenly. She was on my mind all day and even now as I write this short posting the grief is heavy in my heart. There have been times that I have managed not to constanly think of Pat but that is when I have my children or friends around. I have spent a lot of time thinking about our life together and especially the good times. I have also wondered what we would be doing if cancer had not taken her so suddenly. I have had some guilt feelings that maybe I didnt do enough for her when she was undergoing the treatment that just seemed to make her worse. I have found peace with a lot of issues that were worrying me and the prople i feel did not do enough. The worst time for me is when I am alone and theres no one to talk to and share my feelings with. I have learnt to laugh again and have got accustomed to doing things for myself and also doing things that we always did together like shopping. Thank you all for being there for me in times I have needed support and just a kind word. Ronnie

To everyone in this family that is somehow affected by lung cancer, my wishes for the new year is hope, peace and strength. Thank you for all the support given and all the prayers and kind words. The past year has been the worst of my life and even ended with a quick stay in the hospital for the heart condition. To everyone thank you for being there when I needed someone. Ronnie

Today Christmas 2010 I laid Pat to rest by scattering her ashes into the sea at the beach she most loved to visit. Pat loved the sea and could spend hours walking and looking for shells and sea life in the rock pools. Such a void has been left by Pats passing that my two daughters and myself decided to have a quiet and reverend day in her honour. Pat was always the driving force behind the Christmas traditions and always made sure the tree was up and decorated. She did the present shopping and made sure she stayed within the budget she set herself. It was wonderful to see the way she revelled in happiness on Christmas morning when the family and friends opened their presents. To all of you out there I wish you a joyful time and for those of you like me , grieving, peace and comfort. Ronnie

It's 6 months since Pat so suddenly went to heaven. Although she had the dreaful desease lung cancer the totally unexpected passing away devistated me. Although I have started getting used to being alone there are times when I just miss the companionship of Pat and being able to have someone to share the day to day happenings with. This Chrismas period will be particularly hard as Pat was the driving force behind the preperations for the the festivities. My two daughters will be with me for most of the holiday and that will prevent the loneliness from being too intense. Ronnie

Hello all On Tuesday we broke for the Christmas holidays and I decided to go to Johannesburg to my daughter. Yesterday morning I woke up early in preparation to return to Ladysmith and then to Durban. When I went to my van I found that it had been broken into and my laptop and another bag with a lot of personal stuff was stolen. This caused a lot of problems as there are some important documents also gone. Today I bought a new computer and am back on line. Will update you all Ronnie