He's a Lumberjack and He's OK...

This tree-feller sits nonchalantly in the tree while he hacks off the branches around him. 

Once that branch has gone he will have little to hold on to!

Next to Jane and Sean's house was a huge camphor tree that was causing problems. One end of the house was always in shadow, because of the overhanging branches. This caused serious damp problems as the walls never dried out. So, they asked the complex manager if it could be moved. Fortunately, camphor trees are non-native trees to South Africa, and not only could, but should be removed.

The South African government has a programme in place to remove all non-native trees.The camphor tree was imported into South Africa as a shade tree or wind-break, as well as for its medicinal oils. Unfortunately, it uses a vastly disproportionate amount of water when compared to indigenous plants. It is estimated that alien plants in South Africa use in excess of 3.3 billion cubic metres of water per year, equivalent to that flowing through 26 of the largest dams in the country. So, in the interests of natural biodiversity, ecology and Jane's sanity, the tree had to go.

Now, I have never seen a tree removed before, but I cannot but think that the famous British 'elf and safety would not have approved of the South African way. It was efficient, but very scary! Without any harnesses or safety nets, two men climbed up into the tree and began sawing bits off - sometimes with a bow-saw, and sometimes with a power saw. They had ropes, but the ropes were attached to the cut branches so they could let them down to the ground. The men had to cling onto the tree as best they could, using a spare arm or their legs.Here are the photos I took. The question is, would you do this?

As you can see, the ladder isn't quite long enough, so the guy had to shin up the tree.

It's a miracle that the guy on the top didn't send the huge branch he was cutting 

on top of his mate below!

Perched precariously on a sawn-off branch, the tree-feller saws through a huge part of the trunk.

The next day, they came back to remove a branch from another tree that was dangling dangerously over Jane's garden. Here, the man sawed off bits of the branch as he wriggled backwards - not for the faint-hearted I think! (Also note the absence of any protective gear!!)

Elizabeth Coughlan

Flying into Summer

David and I left the depths of a European winter and jetted off into a South African summer. Our first stop was Johannesburg, where we stayed with Paddy, Irene, Karen, Bedi and the boys. It was so lovely to see them all. Our family is so spread around the world that we savour the moments when we can spend time together.

Irene and I went to the Chinese market, where we bought some crystals to make jewellery, while David and Paddy watched the tennis finals. That evening, Paddy treated all of us to a wonderful dinner at Adega, a Portuguese restaurant.


From the left: Kian, Irene, Paddy, David, Karen, Liam and Ian enjoying a meal at Adega's.

Then we flew to Durban to stay with Jane, Sean, Shannon and Jordan. David stayed for a few days as he had to get back to Istanbul, but I will be here until 11th March, when I go to Cape Town.

Jane and I are having a productive time, as we sit at our computers every morning while the children are at school. Jane has a contract to edit and update the content of www.ihatetaxis.com - plus other writing, while I am adding to my portfolio at Helium.

Shannon and Jordan are a delight, and it is lovely to watch them as they learn new things every day. We are very blessed to be able to visit our far flung family.



Shannon and Jordan



Jordan



Shannon

David flew to San Francisco yesterday, to recruit more teachers for his schools. We wish him well and hope he finds what he s looking for!!

The North Wind Doth Blow ...in Istanbul

A very snowy Baghdad Street

Up until recently, we have had a very mild winter in Istanbul. This changed dramatically in the last few days when temperatures plummeted and the rain turned to snow. 20cm fell in one day! The transformation was quite dramatic! Fortunately, the Turks are not fazed by snow. Everyone pitched in to clear the pavements - council workers, the caretakers from the apartment blocks, shop workers, restaurant waiters, and even the street sellers helped. Soon the pavements were clear and life resumed in Baghdad Street. Everyone felt it was their responsibility to clear their immediate areas - unlike broken Britain where no one feels responsible for anything any more, and shopkeepers were advised NOT to clear the snow, in case someone slipped and sued them.

You can see, from this restaurant table, just how much snow fell.

A council employee sets to work clearing the snow from our street. Notice the tiled area that has already been cleaned by the waiters in the restaurant next door.

Tomorrow (Thursday) David and I will leave winter behind as we jet off to South Africa so that we can spend some time with Jane and family. David will only go for a week as he has work to do, but I will stay to enjoy the warmth until March 18 (my planned return date). Oh, the joys of family and friends in far-flung places.

On a cold and Frosty Morning in Norfolk, England

The snow in Hockering

Melbourne has had the hottest night for a hundred years, while England is shivering in sub-zero temperatures under a blanket of snow. Weather patterns appear to be changing. The jet stream that affects our weather has shifted, and now everyone is clamouring to put forward their theories as to what is happening. There are even those who are warning of an impending mini ice-age lasting for 30 years! (Of course, that depends on whether you are making your predictions from Melbourne or London!)

The view across the fields

Here in Hockering, England, temperatures have raised a little, but not enough to clear the snow away, and it is bitterly cold. We have had some respite from the snow showers, although more is expected tomorrow. Many schools closed due to the weather, but Jessica's school, Norwich High School for Girls, stayed resolutely open. Their girls are made of stronger stuff!

Jessica and her snowman.

I have remained inside, only venturing forth once, with Clare, to go to the supermarket. Many people have fallen over in the icy conditions and the hospitals are dealing with an upsurge in fracture cases. Conditions are really treacherous under foot and I aim to stay upright, so I will stay at home for the moment! Clare and Jessica ventured out to build a snowman, but didn't stay too long as it was freezing! The UK Meteorology Office is predicting more snow for our area tomorrow. They could be wrong, They often are. One can only hope...