Cove Rock Country Estate

Cove Rock Country Estate Grapevine April 2011 - Number 010 “The Cove Rock Grapevine” is a newsletter for residents of Cove Rock Country Estate. It is published every month and your input is welcomed. The aim of the newsletter is to: * Inform residents of happenings around the estate * Share advice and general information * Talk about wonder of the environment we live in * Get to know fellow residents through residents profiles – a resident will be featured in each edition. If you have some input or would like the newsletter emailed to other residents or family, simply send an email to Werner Illgner at werner@illgner.net or call him on 083 6020296 / 043 736 8980/011 787 2953. Website: http://coverock.pbworks.com

Know your neighbour A Character through and through We asked Ron Friedman to tell us a little about himself and this was his response: “I am a born and bred Gauteng boy, growing up in the Constantia Kloof/Florida area, where I got married and had two daughters, one of whom has recently provided me with two grand-daughters. I have a sister, Carole, who is a professor at Hofstra University in the United States. For many years, I owned and ran my own medium-sized litho printing company, Monarch & Starling Printers, based near Gold Reef City. This was a natural job progression for me, as I trained as a print engineer and later became the Marketing & Advertising Manager for the Steelbrite Westvaal Group of companies.

Our boy Ron “Taking a picture of a Mermaid”

Left: Ron, Pam and sister Carole, taken at Michaelas

I had always wanted to spend my golden years at the coast, and when the opportunity arose to form a new printing company in East London with three local partners, I jumped at the chance and relocated here in February 2006. Of course, being able to stay on the Estate and enjoy this special environment has been a huge bonus – an environment I will strive to protect. When my contract ended in February 2009, my wife and I decided to keep on trading Monarch & Starling at the coast, servicing both the local market as well as my existing Johannesburg-based client base, some of whom have been with the company since its inception in 1979. Pam, my wife, is an uprooted Brit, born in Yorkshire and still hankering to return to her roots, whereas I am a South African to the core and have no wish to spend my ageing years knee-deep in rain puddles under grey skies - and so the conflict goes on … Very much a case of “die stryd tussen Boer en Brit …” My household is sometimes rather chaotic, with three four-footed feline “sons” and one “boss-of-them-all” “daughter”, all of whom seem intent on eating me out of house and home! I have played tennis and soccer since my school days, and am a great supporter of Manchester United - even when they occasionally play like amateurs. I am still trying to convince myself and all who know me that they would certainly have done a great deal better had they recruited me in my splendid, although ill-spent, youth! My favourite tennis shot – getting the ball over the net!!! My other great passion is Motorcycles and I own a 1982 Suzuki 750 GSX – it’s a classic and has only done 16 000 km’s. I have a constant love-affair with the camera, which has been my mistress since my early teens, when I learned much of the art from a favourite uncle who was a professional photographer. I regularly contribute photographs to our local Cove Rock website namely: http://www.coverock.pbwiki.com/Photos+by+Ron but have yet to capture on film our local wild pig which is roaming the Estate and showing itself to be a little less than friendly in its encounters with dogs or men! My other continuing love is travel, and I was lucky enough in my younger days to travel quite extensively overseas, including a sojourn on an Israeli kibbutz, where I was involved in nightly patrols and security, and which taught me many valuable lessons about security, now put to good use, with the Security Committee, in my ongoing efforts to step up security in the Cove Rock Estate. If I was asked to write an epitaph to sum up my life, it would simply be: “It wasn’t me!” I will stand by that statement now as vigorously as I did in my mis-spent youth, when just one of my antics in my teenage years led to me being chased up a tree by the broom-wielding mother of my best friend - still one of my best memories.” All about our environment

Knysna Lourie {Tauraco corythaix}

A large green bird with a short hooked bill and brilliant red wings. The bill is short, deep and sharply curved and is orange-red. The eye is brown and the eye-ring deep red. There is a white line just under the eye, which extends behind the eye. It has a long and heavy tail and is mostly green - the wing coverts darker metallic green.

The Knysna Loerie has a tall, elegant, rounded crested, which is tipped white. The primary wing flight feathers are bright red - which can be seen when the bird is in flight.

Also known as the Knysna Turaco, it is a bird found in forests, and only in South Africa. Usually seen flying between forest trees, when its brilliant red outer wing feathers can be seen. It hops with agility in trees and along branches.

Name: Tauraco corythaix Habitat: Forests Distribution: Found only in South Africa. Diet Description: Fruit, insects and earthworms Socialisation: Knysna louries clamber around in trees, hopping from branch to branch in search of fruit and seeds, which they swallow whole. They exist usually in pairs or small family groups, and noisily defend their territory with a hoarse 'kow-kow' noise. Reproduction: Nests at different times of year, depending on region. The nest is a shallow platform of sticks placed in leafy tree or dense creepers. Although two eggs are laid, usually only one nestling will hatch. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Wow!!! What a hailstorm we had.

Sports and Social Scene

Congratulations to Freek and Yvonne Strydom who have really done a great job in organsing social events during the month of April – a huge “thank you” to you both for your efforts. This is

their April report and Calendar for May.

SUPER RUGBY FIXTURES FOR MAY

6 Hurricanes v Blues Wellington 09:35

6 Melbourne Rebels v Reds Melbourne 11:40

6 MTN Lions v Toyota Cheetahs Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg 19:10

7 Chiefs v Highlanders Hamilton 09:35

7 Waratahs v Western Force Sydney 11:40

7 DHL Stormers v Crusaders DHL Newlands 17:05

7 Sharks v Brumbies Mr Price Kings Park 19:10

13 Highlanders v Hurricanes Dunedin 09:35

13 Reds v Blues Brisbane 11:40

14 Chiefs v DHL Stormers Hamilton 09:35

14 Brumbies v MTN Lions Canberra 11:40

14 Vodacom Bulls v Melbourne Rebels Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 17:05

14 Toyota Cheetahs v Crusaders Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 19:10

20 Blues v DHL Stormers Auckland 09:35

21 Crusaders v Chiefs Nelson 09:35

21 Waratahs v MTN Lions Sydney 11:40

21 Western Force v Brumbies Perth 14:05

21 Toyota Cheetahs v Melbourne Rebels Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein 17:05

21 Sharks v Vodacom Bulls Mr Price Kings Park 19:10

27 Hurricanes v Western Force Wellington 09:35

28 Highlanders v MTN Lions Dunedin 09:35

28 Brumbies v DHL Stormers Canberra 11:40

28 Sharks v Waratahs Mr Price Kings Park 17:05

28 Vodacom Bulls v Toyota Cheetahs Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 19:10

29 Reds v Crusaders Brisbane 08:10

BLUE = CLUB WILL BE OPEN FOR THE GAMES RED = CLUB IS CLOSE FOR A FUNCTION

Ladies Night Thanks to the 22 ladies that came out to support this function. Rumour has it that the night was a great success!!!!!!

Social Gatherings Thanks again to our regulars. You have made all of the time and effort that we have put into the club house well worth

it!!!!!

Stomers vs Sharks This is what happens when a Shark supporter loses a bet.

Before

After

Freek’s Hole in One on hole #5 in Feb

Your friendly Liquor Technicians at the club

Easter Egg Hunt Thank you to the 14 children that came to take part in the hunt. The Easter Bunny has assured us that he will definitely be back next year…. Dart Competition The first dart competition was held earlier this month. It was only supported by a handful of the regulars and was won by the organizer himself, Freek. He would like to see some more competitors next time around, so please diarise the following dates: 5th May & 19th May Please note that future competitions will be starting at 19hoo sharp and no late entries will be allowed. Pool Competition Congratulations to Josh Opperman who yet again managed to hold onto his title as overall winner! New dates for the May games are: 13th May & 26th May Please note that future competitions will be starting at 19h00 sharp and no late entries will be allowed. Boeresport We are in the process of planning a fun boeresport day for the kids on the estate. The proposed date is Saturday, 28th May between 12pm-4pm. Keep an eye on the notice boards for further details.

Cove Rock Golf Day When: Sunday 3rd July 2011 Where: Westbank Golf Club

Tiime 10.00am Tee off R70 entry fee

Anyone interested please contact Freek at 073 610 4307, Lukie at the shop, George 082 9043506, Mark 082 8703796 or add your name to the list at the Shop or the Clubhouse.

The final tee off list will be displayed at the Shop and Clubhouse on the 20

th June 2011.

Any donations for prizes will be most appreciated.

Some details:

1. Known as “the Cove Rock Golf Championship”. 2. Played 6 monthly. This is the 3

rd time.

3. Won both times by Carol Smith. 4. Open to all residents – male or female, golfers or non golfers. 5. Competition – Individual Stableford and Fourball Alliance Stableford. 6. Handicaps: current for active golfers; last official for non-active golfers; non-golfers – ladies max

30, men max 24. 7. Prize sponsorship will be highly appreciated. 8. Final draw date: 24 June 2011 @ 18h30. 9. Winners board sponsored by Inkhulu Tyres.

Easter Service The Easter Service on Cove Rock beach was very well attended by some “locals” as well as visitors. The more than 200 blanket and scarf-rapped “congregation” were not disappointed that they rose early in the cold to attend the service. We were met by a breathtaking view of the beach and the sea, with the beautiful sounds from the youth band filling the air and raising our spirits. A big wooden cross on the dune was lit up by the most beautiful sunrise which turned the water and the horizon on fire. The Easter message was delivered by the beloved Mick Webb and was followed by communion, served by some of our Cove Rock residents. As always, it was truly a heart and soul warming experience.

If there are any Tennis players at Cove Rock who wish to join a tennis/social club, the STIRLING TENNIS CLUB is looking for new members. If interested please Contact Ron at Tel/ 043 736 9619 or Mobile/ 082 800 0480 Email/ ron.monstar@iafrica.com The Garden Club will be travelling to Lowlands near Stutterheim with lunch at Thomas River on the 11

th of May 2011.

For further details contact Nevelyn on 043 7369712. Wanted known/Classifieds

Builder: Need a new house built our existing house alterations? - Ph Willie Van Wyk 082 5782343

Electrician: Home or industrial - we have the experience to do it all - Ph Kenny Beets 073 8410319

Need a blind date ??? We specialise in all types of Blinds and sun control Awnings. Call ‘The Blinds Gallery’ for a free quotation on 079 348 6251. Ken Marlow – Master Cabinet Maker - Invites you to visit his workshop (as you come into Estate take 1

st right then 1

st

building on left) if you need furniture made. Specializes in Blackwood and Oregon. Contact 076 1448364.

Piano Lessons – right here on the Estate. Contact Karen on 084 8020857

Need a Carpenter? : Chris Lombard (C.L. TIMBERS) built-in cupboards, decks, ceilings, laminated flooring & outdoor

furniture etc...) TEL: 0832818123 - We stay in 176 Cowrie Crescent.

Wanted to Rent !!!!! Wanted to Rent: I am looking for a house to rent on the Estate. Please contact Corne on 043 743 7100 Wanted to Rent: Flat on the Estate. Please call 082 379 1417

Wanted to Rent: I am looking for a house to rent on the Estate. Please contact Robert on 083 784 0707

“Are you concerned with lime scale and corrosion in your

house?” “Did you know that just 1mm of lime scale in your geyser can

use up to 11% extra in your power supply?” “Merus is designed to remove lime scale and corrosion and to

prevent it from coming back”

“Even Municipality water carries Lime Scale” “For an eco friendly and maintenance free product which is guaranteed for 5 years

please contact Ty Grace from East London Trading Advanced Water Technology”

“Merus - running rings around Lime scale and Corrosion”

Wanted: Someone who knows about Wispeco Roll-up Garage doors who can come and service my doors – please

contact Werner on 043 7368980 Wanted: Hubcap for a 1996 Toyota Corolla – please contact Werner on 043 7368980

Are you looking for an excellent Domestic Helper?? We would like to see our Domestic Helper, who has worked for us on one day of the week over a period of approximately four years find alternate employment. She also worked at the same time for Elbie Steyn then of 112 Beachcomber Drive. She has very strong Christian Values and is a very hard worker. On three occasions we went away on holiday and she' house sat' for us and looked after our three small dogs. Anyone who is interested to discuss her employment can contact me i.e. Bob Booth

Cell No 082 498 6141 or call at the Cove Rock Office during office hours. Her details are as follows:

TOZAMA MDLELA - ID NO. 650210 0933 08 3

CELL NO. 073 966 0950

For your Information Some advice from Discovery Health

Providing protection during the seasonal flu time

Discovery Health recognises the significant impact the seasonal flu has on our members’ health. With the onset of seasonal flu, there is an increase in the number of admissions for complications of flu like pneumonia and cardiac problems, particularly in people who are at a high risk of developing complications of the flu.

Benefits of having a seasonal flu vaccination

The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that anyone older than 65 years, or who suffers from certain medical conditions, has a flu vaccination. Anyone who falls within this group is less likely to develop complications of the seasonal flu if they have a flu vaccination.

You may benefit from getting the flu vaccination as protection and to minimise potential complications of the seasonal flu. Cove Rock Country Estate - What do you get for your monthly levy? By Werner Illgner I am often asked this question by Homeowners and I believe it is worthwhile we revisit the question and its answer. I, for one, often forget the complexity of the management of an Estate such as ours. Your monthly levy pays for:

Maintenance of the Estate and its facilities:

Salaries and Wages of the Estate managers and workers Rent for workshop premises Rent for entrance Gate House The cutting of the grass around our properties and the open areas The maintenance of the pool, tennis court, Mashie golf course and Clubhouse Maintenance of the tractor, bushcutter, lawnmowers and weedeaters The control of invader plants

Road development and maintenance

Sewerage system – includes daily cleanout of fat trap Refuse removal – bi-weekly Removal of garden refuse on Wednesdays

Security

The Main Entrance control Security equipment Maintenance of the surrounding fence and the patrols thereof Estate patrols Monitoring of the security cameras at the entrance to the Estate.

Management Admin fees to the Managing Agent Costs incurred by the Executive Managers who: Are involved in the day to day decisions in managing the Estate Clubhouse and shop rental and control Maintenance of building standards in line with the Constitution Road and building management Financial management Organising meetings of the Executive committee and its sub-Committees General admin – Issuing of entry tags, gate tags, windscreen tokens building deposits

- As you can see your levy has to stretch to cover a complex and large set of necessary activities.

I would ask all homeowners to support all who work so hard, often totally voluntarily, to maintain the uniqueness, which is our Cove Rock Country Estate. We thank you.

Release the Giant in You 10 things to learn from the people of Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake 1. THE CALM Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated. 2. THE DIGNITY Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture. 3. THE ABILITY The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall. 4. THE GRACE People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something. 5. THE ORDER No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding. 6. THE SACRIFICE Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid? 7. THE TENDERNESS Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak. 8. THE TRAINING The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.

9. THE MEDIA They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No sensationalizing. Only calm reportage. 10. THE CONSCIENCE When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly. A Touch of Inspiration With Our Words, We Create Our Lives by Philip E. Humbert, PhD This week, I heard New York developer, Donald Trump, described as someone "who sees life as a war, and you're either a winner or you're a loser." Now, I don't know if Mr. Trump believes anything like that, but imagine what life would be if you saw yourself at war with everyone around you. Wow! That got me thinking about the metaphors we use every day. Life is complex, with new challenges, celebrations and daily surprises. But when you add it all up, how do you describe your life? What metaphors do you use? And how do your images, in turn, shape the world you live in? For some of us, life is a journey. For others, life is to be endured, while many people see it as a "test." Others play the "game of life." Erma Bombeck said "life is a bowl of cherries," although she also wrote about "being in the pits." I have a friend who says "life is relationships," while other people see it as a chance "to build something" or "leave a legacy." The images we use to describe ourselves and our world are important! Our images shape the way we think, feel, and respond to everything in life. If I see myself as "unlucky," the things I attempt will be very different than if I describe myself as "talented" or "blessed." The interesting thing about metaphors is that we all use them, and we can change them. Often, a piece of new information or a single conversation can change everything! When I was a therapist, I often asked clients to imagine walking down the street and having one of their neighbors come out and scream obscenities at them. Most people said they'd be shocked, offended, or outraged. I would then add one more piece of information: I would explain that this neighbor suffered from Turret's syndrome, and had no control over their words and actions. Most people immediately shifted in their chair and quickly said how sorry they would feel for the neighbor, and how they would never take it personally. We use words to literally create the world in which we live, and successful people are very careful about the words and images that describe their world. Instead of "problems," they talk about "challenges" or "opportunities," or simply "surprises". People with strong, loving marriages use images like "my partner" or "my best friend," and would never talk about "the old ball and chain." Metaphors that empower us lead to action. When we use words that suggest opportunity, possibility or potential, we feel good about ourselves and our lives. But when we use metaphors that suggest our very survival may be at stake, we tend to "keep our heads down" and be fearful. Choose images, words and metaphors that you enjoy, that empower you, and that lead to creativity and action! For me, life is usually a "game," filled with people who will "play" with me. I try lots of "experiments," which don't always work out the way I expected, but almost always teach me something or lead to other opportunities. Sometimes, life is a "game of golf, with lots of bad lies," but it can also be a "hole in one" or a "walk in the park". Describe your life and your world with images, words and metaphors that make you smile, that let you relax,

and empower you to take action. Find images that challenge you to be your best, that let you to take smart risks, and that make life fun! Question the images you've been using, and if you find they no longer serve you, change them. Life is, after all, a "gift!"

Snippet Courtesy of Anon

I bought a book on positive thinking...I knew it wouldn't work so I threw it out!! A bit of Fun Every picture tells a Story - “ Animal Farm !!!!!!!?”

A married man left work early one Friday, but instead of going home, he spent the weekend partying with the boys. When he finally returned home on Sunday night, his wife really got on his case and stayed on it. After a few of hours of swearing and screaming, his wife paused and pointed at him and made him an offer. "How would you like it if you didn't see me for a couple of days?" The husband couldn't believe his luck, so he looked up, smiled and said, "That would suit me just fine!!" Monday went by and the man didn't see his wife. Tuesday and Wednesday went by and he still didn't see her. Come Thursday, the swelling went down a bit and he could see her a little out of the corner of his left eye.

"Oh, I can't drink these days. I'm allergic to alcohol and narcotics. If I use them I break out in handcuffs." Actor and reformed addict ROBERT DOWNEY JR.

*Confucious did _NOT_ say.....* *Man who fight with wife all day get no piece at night.*

The newly-married husband came home from the office to find his young wife in floods of tears. "Darling, whatever is the matter?" he asks.

"Sweetheart," she sobs, "the most terrible thing has happened! I cooked my very first Beef Bourguignon for you, and I got it out the oven to season it, and the phone rang.

When I came back from answering the phone," she sobbed again "I found that the cat had eaten it!"

"Don't worry, darling," said her husband. "Don't cry. We'll get a new cat in the morning."

Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think

about the workers on the wine farms and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink their wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink and let their dreams come

true than be selfish and worry about my liver'.

THE BLONDE was walking along a riverbank. She saw another blonde on the opposite side. She called out: "How do I

get across to the other side?" "You silly," the other blonde replied, "you're on the other side." When Insults Had Class

"He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire." - Winston Churchill

"A modest little person, with much to be modest about." - Winston Churchill

"I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure."

- Clarence Darrow

"He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary."

- William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway)

"Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words?" - Ernest Hemingway (about William Faulkner)

"Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it." - Moses Hadas

"He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know."

- Abraham Lincoln

"I've had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn't it."

- Groucho Marx

"I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it." - Mark Twain

"He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends." -

"I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play, bring a friend... if you have one." - George Bernard

Shaw to Winston Churchill

"Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second... if there is one." - Winston Churchill, in reply.

A fifty-ish woman was at home happily jumping on her bed and squealing with delight. Her husband watches her for a while and asks, "Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look?, What's the matter with

you?"

The woman continues to bounce on the bed and says, "I don't care, I just came from having a mammogram and the

doctor says I have the breasts of an 18 year-old". The husband said, "What did he say about your 60 year old ass?"

"Your name never came up," she replied.

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.

She said, "I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 85 in about 2 seconds."

I bought her a bathroom scale. And then the fight started......

"I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered.

But I was not pleased when I read the description in the catalogue: 'no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.'"

- Eleanor Roosevelt