From the Horse s Mouth

Transcription

1 From the Horse s Mouth Uit die Perd se Bek NOVEMBER, 2010 NOVEMBER, 2010 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOOIKLOOF OWNERS ASSOCIATION

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3 Uit die Perd se Bek From the Horse s Mouth fokus op Mooikloof. Die publikasie word gekoördineer en maandeliks namens die Eienaarsvereniging van Mooikloof deur EIAPublishing (Pty) Ltd uitgegee. Die menings van medewerkers en personeel van EIA Publishing (Pty) Ltd is nie noodwendig die van die Eienaarsvereniging van Mooikloof nie. Uitgewer: EIAPublishing (Pty) Ltd Bestuurder : Zandré Lindeque - Sel: E-pos: zandre@eiapublishing.co.za Advertensies : Paola Chrisochos - Sel: Martin Fourie - Sel: Produksie Koördineerder: Ancheri Luus - Sel: E-pos: ancheri@ eiapublishing.co.za Ontwerp : Ancheri Luus - E-pos: ancheri@eiapublishing.co.za Olga Venter - E-pos: olga@eiapublishing.co.za Pretoria Kantoor : Blok B Grond Vloer, Newlands Office Park, 261 LoisAvenue, Newlands, Pretoria Posbus 25260, Monument Park, Pretoria, 0105 Tel: Faks: Sperdatum vir advertensies en redaksionele bydrae vir: Uitgawe 1 van 2011 is 11 Januarie Uitgawe 2 van 2011 is 10 Februarie Contents General Information Mooikloof Eienaarsvereniging 2010: Jaareinde Retrospeksie Mooikloof Owners Association 2010: Year-end Retrospective Mooikloof Correspondence The Big 5" Dog Killers God Lives under the bed Horseriding Birds in Mooikloof Vakansie Flitse Recipe Mooikloof Issue 11,

4 General Information Mooikloof Owners Association Office address: Office hours: Office contact details: General Manager/Algemene Bestuurder: Phillip Hattingh Assistant Manager: Website Manager/Personal Assistant: (PA) (Website) 30 Flaming Rock Crescent PO Box 92035, Mooikloof 0059 Monday - Friday: 08h00-12h00 Excluding weekends and public holidays 12h30-16h00 Tel: Fax: Finances: (Modfin Systems) fin@mooikloof.org Biometrics department: biometrics@mooikloof.org Security: (Protea Coin) Mooikloof: 24-hour security manager Mooikloof: 24-hour operational manager Mooikloof: 24-hour control room Protea Coin dedicated armed response vehicle Atterbury gate entrance Atterbury contractors' gate Garsfontein gate entrance Contributions from residents to From the Horse s Mouth are welcomed and can be submitted to Ricky Hattingh at info@mooikloof.org Mooikloof Issue 11,

5 Mooikloof Eienaarsvereniging 2010: Jaareinde Retrospeksie Ian Wilcocks: MEV Direkteur - Menslike Verhoudinge Geagte Lid van die Mooikloof Eienaarsvereniging 16 November 2010 Re: 2010 Retrospeksie Geagte Lid van die Mooikloof Eienaarsvereniging Weldra hoe onmoontlik dit mag blyk te wees, is ons weereens in die laaste pylvlak van 2010 en die Raad van Direkteure van Mooikloof wil graag hiermee van die geleentheid gebruik maak om ons huidige strategieë, doelwitte en riglyne in oënskou te neem sowel as aspekte wat bereik is gedurende Ons algehele persepsie van die afgelope jaar vul ons met 'n oorweldigende satisfaksie en genoeë ten opsigte van take suksesvol afgehandel en kon slegs uitvoerbaar gewees het deur die strategiese implementering en proaktiewe beplanning tydens die voorafgaande tydperk. Sodra 'n behoeftebepaling vasgestel is en 'n deurdenkte visie geïdentifiseer is, kan riglyne geïmplementeer word om die resultate te evalueer en te ko-ordineer met die oog op suksesvolle uitvoerbaarheid. Die Raad is derhalwe oortuig dat die resultate t.o.v. verskeie vasgestelde projekte soos beoog gedurende 2010, proaktief en effektief uitgevoer is en die Lede van die Eienaarsvereniging toekomstige volhoubare voordeel daaruit sal put. Die Raad wil derhalwe ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om al die Lede te bedank vir hulle ondersteuning gedurende die verloop van 2010 sowel as u vertroue daargestel wat deurlopend dien as motivering vir ons as die Raad van Direkteure, om ons take suksesvol en produktief uit te voer ten bate van alle belanghebbendes. U volgehoue positiwiteit, ondersteuning en goeie wense word ten alle tye opreg waardeer. Na aanleiding van voorgenoemde, was die Raad in staat om alle uitdagings met volharding aan te pak in retrospeksie van u voorstelle en konstruktiewe oplossings t.o.v. gemeenskaplike aspekte tot voordeel van al die Lede van die Mooikloof Eienaarsvereniging. Na gelang hiervan, is ons as die Raad van Direkteure oortuig dat meer suksesvolle hoogtes bereik gaan word in Een van die hoogte punte gedurende 2010 was die positiewe afhandeling van die aangeleentheid tussen die Mooikloof Eienaarsvereniging en Mooikloof Estates. Die finalisering van die onderskeie regte van die Mooikloof Eienaarsvereniging sowel as die kommersiele aspekte na gelang van sekere besigheidserwe, het dienooreenkomstig ons die geleentheid gebied om ongehinderd ons beplanning voort te sit en dienooreenkomstig, sonder die invloed van moontlike onafgehandelde aangeleenthede tussen die onderskeie aandeelhouers ons doelwitte volhartig aan te pak. Met uitsondering van bogenoemde was onder andere een van die primêre aangeleenthede van 2010, die sekuriteitsaspekte t.o.v. ons se lede se veiligheid asook die van hul eiendom. Optimale sekuriteitsmaatreëls is toegepas en geïmplementeer deur die instelling van die biometriese stelsel gemik op toelatings prosedures vir nuwe besoekers asook die lock down prosedure. Die Raad van Direkteure van Mooikloof wil derhalwe van die geleentheid gebruik maak om u te bedank vir u samewerking wat die registrasie proses vir die biometriese stelsel behels het. Progressiewe aksies is toegepas onder andere deurdat die Mooikloof Eienaarsvereniging aangesluit het as lid van ARC (Association of Residential Communities), oorhoofs ter bevordering van die huidige Mooikloof lewenstyl deur middel van toegang tot 'n globale inligtingsargief en bestuursaspekte via ARC. Tydens die Algemene Jaarvergadering wat plaasgevind het op 4 Augustus 2010 het die Raad weereens bevestiging verkry van die kardinale belang wat effektiewe en konstruktiewe voorafbepaalde doelwit stellings en prioriteite mag voorhou, in samewerking met die gemeenskap. Ter stawing hiervan is erkenning ontvang van 'n gerespekteerde Lid van die Mooikloof Eienaarsvereniging t.o.v. die uitvoerbaarheid en konstruktiewe wyse waarop die Algemene Jaar Vergadering plaasgevind en georganiseer is. Ter afsluiting wil die Raad van Direkteure van Mooikloof u hartlik bedank vir u bydrae en ondersteuning gedurende hierdie afgelope jaar, vir u lojaliteit en proaktiewe samewerking asook die harmonieuse verhoudingsgesind wat tans bestaan tussen die Raad en die Lede van die Eienaarsvereniging. Ons sien volhartig uit na die onderskeie uitdagings, projekte en doelwitte wat 2011 vir ons almal voorhou en sal derhalwe weereens daarin poog om bogenoemde aspekte suksesvol en effektief aan te pak. Dit is my voorreg om hiermee derhalwe van die geleentheid gebruik te maak, as verteenwoordiger van die Raad van Direkteure, die Bestuur van die Mooikloof Eienaarsvereniging asook die onderskeie personeel, om u en u huisgesin, familie en vriende 'n hartlike en geseënde feesgety toe te wens asook 'n suksesvolle en voorspoedige Mooikloof Issue 10,

6 Mooikloof Owners Association 2010: Year-end Retrospective Ian Wilcocks: MOA Director - Liaison Dear Mooikloof Owners Association Member 16 November 2010 Re: 2010: A Year-end Retrospective As unbelievable as it seems, we are virtually at the end of 2010 and from the perspective of the Board of Directors, this is an appropriate time to review our plans, goals and objectives and all that has been achieved this year. Our consideration of the year gone by brings an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. This is due largely to the time and attention given to strategic planning at the start of the Board's term and having followed through on those plans in the following months. When you have a clear vision of what it is you want to achieve, you can evaluate the results of your investments. We believe the time and energy invested has yielded great results for Mooikloof and members will continue to reap the benefits. As a Board, we look back on the past year with gratitude and thank you for your support and trust in allowing us to serve you. Most of all, we thank you for the positivity, encouragement and goodwill that has been forthcoming from members in the last few months. In the spirit of the vision we shared at the start of the current Board's term, members of the Association have participated with a positive approach and come forward with constructive solutions to the challenges faced, rather than negativity and criticism. We believe that this is the reason for the successful achievement of our goals to date and we look forward to even greater success in One of those positive outcomes was the settlement agreement between us and Mooikloof Estates in regards to the court case. This settlement has seen the finalisation of the rights of the Association and of the commercial owners and allows us to move forward and enjoy the facilities of our Estate unhindered by any discordant or unresolved relations between any of the stakeholders. Another of the Board's primary considerations for 2010 was the security of our Residents and properties. Consequently, optimum security measures have been implemented in the interests of improving security on the Estate, in regards to access control. These systems include the Biometric, New Visitors and Lock Down procedures. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our members for their cooperation in regards to the registration process for the biometric system. Further progressive steps were taken earlier this year when the Owners' Association became a member of the Association of Residential Communities (ARC). This affiliation means greater opportunities for the enhancement of our Mooikloof lifestyle through access to knowledge and shared best practice learning. Our Annual General Meeting was held on 4 August 2010 and was another occasion where the Board experienced firsthand the effectiveness of the constructive approach in which we are engaging as a community. As mentioned in a previous communication, the success of this philosophy was brought to life by a long time Resident who described the AGM as one of the best AGMs in the history of the Estate, with no harsh words spoken and the meeting being entirely constructive under a unified Board. In conclusion, the Board thanks you for your continued trust and confidence. We are truly grateful for your loyalty and support and the harmonious relationships we have developed with the members of the Association during the course of the year and during the fulfilment of our duties as a Board to date. We look forward to the challenges and opportunities to apply our passion for Mooikloof and its continued growth and success in It is my privilege and my pleasure, on behalf of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Mooikloof Owners Association, to bid you a peaceful and victorious remainder of 2010, a safe and joy-filled festive season and a blessed Mooikloof Issue 11,

7 Mooikloof Correspondence Ian Wilcocks: MOA Director - Liaison Dear Mooikloof Owners Association Member 28 October 2010 Re: Buck in Mooikloof Estate The situation on the estate in regards to the Mooikloof buck has recently come to a head as a result of an incident last week in which a blesbuck was attacked and seriously injured by free-roaming dogs. This matter is one which is close to all of our hearts and the Board considers this an urgent matter requiring immediate action and resolution. For this reason, a great deal of time and attention was devoted to consideration of the issue at last night's Director's Meeting. The blesbuck have always been a part of Mooikloof and are, to most residents, synonymous with the lifestyle that Mooikloof represents. The fondness with which these animals are regarded is evidenced by the reaction this incident and subsequent communications has elicited within our community. However, in order to find an appropriate solution, we need to look beyond the emotions that surround this debate and consider the facts and the well-being of the animals. We need to address the cause of the problem, not the symptoms and the real problem here is free-roaming dogs on the estate. A situation where unattended dogs roam the estate is unacceptable under any circumstances. All dogs must be securely confined within the boundaries of the owner's property and may only be outside of those confines on a leash, under the control of the owner. No less than 11 unattended dogs have been caught on the estate and impounded during October. Free-roaming dogs are a potential danger to themselves, to other dogs, to the wildlife on the estate, to horses and their riders and to all residents of the estate. Please note that, with immediate effect, there will be zero tolerance in regards to dogs found outside of their owner's properties. Estate Management will be on high alert in this regard at all times and any dog found at large will be caught and impounded and the owner will be fined R1500, in addition to any kennel or other costs incurred as a result of the impoundment. Please note that this initial action will be followed by more stringent measures should dog-owners not comply with these reasonable requirements. In light of the above, the Board reached the decision that removal of the buck is not the appropriate or necessary course of action. The Board will, however, in consultation with the necessary professionals, review the current situation of the buck on the estate, in regards to various issues that have been raised, in order to ensure their wellbeing now and in the future. The Board would like to thank all concerned for the interest and care shown in this matter. We are confident that all residents, having a clear understanding of the requirements in regards to dogs within the estate, will take the necessary action and responsibility required to comply with the regulations and thus ensure that all residents human and animal are able to enjoy our beautiful estate to the fullest possible extent. Dear Mooikloof Owners Association Member 18 November 2010 Re: Free-roaming Dogs Further to our communication dated 28 October 2010 in regards to the Mooikloof buck, please be reminded of the issue the primary problem of free-roaming dogs on the estate which was raised and addressed in that communication. We have had another unpleasant and unnecessary incident in which a wild animal was savaged by free-roaming dogs and we are, therefore, appealing again to all dog owners to please take care of and responsibility for your dogs and ensure that they are securely confined within the boundaries of your property at all times. They may only be outside of those confines on a leash, under your control. Incidents like this cause a great deal of negative feeling and those negative emotions lead to bad will between residents, which is a complete contradiction of the Mooikloof way of life we have chosen. There is no hardship endured by dogs as a result of their confinement to their owner's property. The stands are certainly large enough to accommodate a happy, healthy lifestyle for dogs, but the same cannot be said for the wild animals on the estate, when the dogs roam freely. We again appeal to all dog owners on the estate to approach this matter with respect and consideration for all of the wonderful life forms human and animal; domestic and wild with whom we share the blessing that the Mooikloof lifestyle is. At this moment in time, we do not have dedicated personnel to monitor this situation and take action when dogs are found roaming unattended on the estate, which means that the security company are currently assisting us out of courtesy, which in turn means that any time and energy spent dealing with free-roaming dogs effectively takes away time, energy and attention that should be focused on estate security. The knock-on effects and potential dangers caused by owners not taking responsibility for ensuring that their dogs are confined to their properties are significant and compromise us all. As stated in our previous communication, we hereby confirm that any dog found at large will be caught and impounded and the owner will be fined R1500, in addition to any kennel or other costs incurred as a result of the impoundment. We do not want to belabour this point and engage in disagreeable dealings with our members as a result of failure to comply with the requirements and therefore kindly request the cooperation of all Association members. It is our express desire to oversee and ensure harmonious living and the enjoyment of Mooikloof by all our residents. Mooikloof Issue 11,

8 The Big 5 dog killers Dr Heidi Schroeder, Small Animal Physician The five most frequent dog killers include babesiosis, parvovirus, trauma, and cancer and organ diseases. The area in which a dog lives or the way in which a dog is taken care of by its owner, largely determines the most likely one of the above to occur in a specific dog. Babesiosis and parvovirus can both be prevented by annual vaccination and effective tick control; trauma cannot always be prevented, but free roaming animals are a larger risk than dogs kept inside a property. Cancer and organ disease occur rather in older pets and can usually not be prevented. A survey has shown that dogs in areas where owners do not look after their pets well e.g. their pets are not vaccinated regularly nor do they control ectoparasites, the distribution of the most important dog killers are as follows: babesiosis 16%, parvo viral enteritis 11%, trauma 22%, cancer 7,2% and organ diseases 15%. The dogs in these areas usually do not have a long life expectancy and generally consist of a mainly young dog population. In areas where dogs are generally well looked after, e.g. by annual vaccination and where effective ectoparasite control takes place, the average lifespan is much higher. The distribution of the dog killers typically would be: babesiosis 6%, parvo viral enteritis 2%, trauma 24%, cancer 7,5% and organ diseases 57%. 1. Babesiosis (Tick fever, Biliary fever): Babesiosis is a disease caused by a protozoal parasite Babesia canis. This parasite is transmitted by blood-sucking ticks. Clinical signs: May include one or more of the following - anorexia (poor appetite), lethargy, listlessness, jaundice, anemia (pallor) and fever. Sometimes complicated forms occur with nervous signs such as fits/convulsions and kidney failure. Diagnosis: Is relatively easy. If your dog shows any of the above signs, it should be taken to your veterinarian as soon as possible. A blood smear will reveal the Babesia canis parasites in the red blood cells. Depending on the severity of the dog's illness, the veterinarian may do additional blood tests to evaluate the degree of anemia or the presence of complications such as kidney failure or auto-immune hemolytic anemia. Treatment: Injectable drugs which kill the parasite are the most important component of the treatment. Supportive medication is also indicated and depends largely on the severity of the dog's illness. The supportive treatment may include blood transfusions, liver support, intravenous fluids, tonics, etc. Prevention: No vaccine exists at present in this country to prevent Babesiosis. The only way to prevent this disease is by effective tick control. 2. Parvoviral Enteritis: Canine parvovirus infection is an acute, highly contagious enteritis in dogs. Dogs of all ages may be affected, but this disease affects mainly young dogs from a few weeks to a few months old. It is associated with a high mortality, especially in unvaccinated puppies. Clinical signs: May include one or more of the following signs anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea (often bloody), dehydration, weight loss, fever. Diagnosis: It is often impossible to distinguish parvovirus enteritis from other conditions/ diseases causing gastroenteritis in young dogs, e.g. corona virus infection, protozoal infections such as coccidiosis, severe worm infestations, etc. The diagnosis may be confirmed by specific faecal tests and blood serum tests, but is usually made on presenting clinical signs. Treatment: Rehydration is the most important aspect of the effective treatment of patients with parvoviral enteritis. Depending on the severity of the patient's condition at the time of presentation, this may be treated either orally, by intravenous fluids or by intraperitoneal or subcutaneous fluid administration. Other supportive treatment may include antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections, antiemetics where vomiting is severe, intravenous glucose for secondary hypoglycemia and blood transfusions. These pups often have concurrent worm infestations and should be dewormed at the same time. Prevention: Vaccination can prevent this fatal disease. Pups are protected with antibodies from their mothers, which they receive through the placenta and colostrum. Effective maternal immunity may last 16 weeks. Where the mother's vaccination history is unknown or not up to date, the pups can be vaccinated from six weeks of age. They should be vaccinated at least three times with one month intervals. An infected environment should be disinfected with bleach since faeces is an important source of infection. 3. Trauma: Trauma due to motor vehicle accidents and bite wounds is a common cause of death in dogs. Clinical signs: Signs that should alarm any dog owner after any form of trauma has taken place include any difficulty in breathing (this may be due to a penetrating chest wound or lung bleeding), any loss of consciousness indicating brain trauma, any rapid blood loss and any open or deep wounds. If in doubt rather consult your veterinarian untreated bite wounds may become septic and can cause loss of life. Diagnosis: Severe injuries should be diagnosed through thorough examination, but sometimes the use of radiographs or ultrasound examinations are also indicated. Treatment: It depends on the severity of the wounds, but shock treatment is always vital. Wounds should be cleaned and shaved, antibiotics should be administered, and sometimes emergency surgery is indicated once a patient has been stabilised. Prevention: Keeping your pet in your property decreases the chance of it being involved in motor vehicle accidents, or coming into contact with other vicious dogs. In multiple dog house holds precautions should be taken where inter-dog aggression is a problem. 4. Cancer: (Neoplasia) Cancer (neoplasia) occurs when transformation of normal body cells into malignant ones takes place. The altered cells pass on inappropriate genetic information to their progeny cells and begin to multiply in an abnormal and destructive way. Cell growth is unregulated. As the cancer cells continue to multiply, the mass of abnormal tissue enlarges, ulcerates and begins to shed cells that spread the disease locally or to distant sites. Some cells invade neighbouring tissues, destroying and displacing normal cells and take their place. Others can enter the blood and lymphatic vessels and are Mooikloof Issue 11,

9 5.1 Heart failure: Heart failure is defined as the inability of the heart to maintain a circulation to meet the body's needs. Heart failure may be due to congenital heart disease (present from birth) or due to acquired heart disease which is much more common. The congenital heart diseases include patent ductus arteriosis, ventricular and atrial septal defects and aortic and pulmonic stenosis. Pups typically are poor doers, grow poorly, cough, are always tired, show signs of difficult breathing and may collapse or faint from time to time, especially when they get excited. The diagnosis of an abnormal heart is in most cases made by the veterinarian when the pup is taken for its vaccinations. A loud murmur is usually audible when listening with a stethoscope. Often the murmur can even be felt when one's hand is held against the chest in the region of the heart. The type of congenital heart disease a pup has can then be diagnosed by ECG, radiographs and echocardiography. Only the patent ductus arteriosis can be corrected surgically. For the others only symptomatic treatment can help for a while, but they usually do not have a long life expectancy. carried along in the fluid to other parts of the body. A cancer is thus a growth in which cell multiplication in uncontrolled and progressive. It may be benign or malignant. Clinical signs: Which should alarm you may be any lump or mass that increases in size or appearance in a short period of time. This is particularly easy when the growths are on the skin. Where the cancer is inside the body, it may often not be detected until the cancer is large and has invaded a large area. Signs of cancer in these cases may include weight loss (often in spite of a good or increased appetite), loss of condition, an enlarging abdomen, vomiting, laboured breathing and coughing. Specific cancers cause specific signs e.g. liver cancer may cause jaundice, fluid in the abdominal cavity seen as a rapidly enlarging abdomen, vomiting and weight loss. Spleen cancer may lead to rupture of the spleen which will lead to a sudden collapse due to sudden massive bleeding into the abdominal cavity. Diagnosis: Is usually confirmed by a pathologist or cytologist from a biopsy or needle aspirate of the cancer mass. Where the cancer is inside the body, blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound examinations and sometimes surgery are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment: Sometimes cancerous growths can be removed surgically, especially when diagnosed at an early stage. Some types of cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, but very often there is no cure. Prevention: None. 5. Organ diseases: The most important organ diseases which kill especially our older pets are heart and kidney failure. Other important organ diseases include liver failure, endocrine diseases such as Cushing's disease and neurological diseases. Acquired heart disease is a common condition in especially older dogs. This is usually due to mitral valve insufficiency (more common in smaller breeds) or cardiomyopathy (more common in larger breeds). Clinical signs may include coughing, tiredness, collapse and fainting, difficult breathing and abdominal distention. Your veterinarian should hear murmurs, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or other abnormal heart sounds with a stethoscope. In order to evaluate the heart problem properly ECG, radiographs and echocardiography may be performed. Many drugs are available to help the patient with heart failure. 5.2 Kidney failure: Kidney failure may be defined as the inability of the kidneys to maintain normal function. Kidney failure may be acute (sudden) or chronic. Acute kidney failure is usually fatal and is usually caused by toxins e.g. antifreeze or due to conditions causing shock or severe dehydration. Clinical signs include sudden onset of anorexia, vomiting and rapid deterioration of the whole body. The diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests. Treatment consists of intravenous fluids, diuretics and even dialysis. This condition is unfortunately mostly fatal. Chronic kidney failure is common in older pets. Clinical signs which should cause suspicion to the owner include increased water intake and urination, weight loss, bad breath and vomiting. The diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests. Treatment consists of special diets, availability of fresh water at all times and other symptomatic drugs as necessary. Mooikloof Issue 11,

10 God lives under the bed Marnette I decided to write about being thankful and then I received this I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed...' I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humour. I realised for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labour. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them. I remember wondering if Kevin realises he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favourite macaroniand-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores. And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go! ' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologise instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions It is then I realise that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care. Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realise that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all! And now I'm sure we all know what to be thankful for NOTE: Our Sunday church services in the chapel will be resumed on 9 January 2011 a 09:00. Everyone welcome! If there is enough interest, we will have English services as well. Please contact me at or marnette1@gmail.com for more info. Mooikloof Issue 11,

11 Horseriding Sheleph Burger 2010 Gauteng North Equestrian Inter-regionals During the weekend of September, GAUTENG HORSE SOCIETY presented the Higher Inter-Regionals that are held annually at the Kyalami Equestrian Park. During this event, the Gauteng Regions of Central, North, East, West and South as well as Limpopo competed in Dressage, Equitation, Showing and Show Jumping. At the end of the competition, different trophies were presented to the different regions in respect of overall performance in the respective disciplines. Besides other achievements, the BEST TURNED OUT trophy was secured by GAUTENG NORTH! This achievement was made possible after NORTH received support from Roma Naudé of REMAX Property Merchants. GAUTENG NORTH wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Roma for her generous assistance in this regard. Beautiful sashes for the riders and horses were obtained for this prestigious event. The North riders and equestrian teams looked absolutely fantastic! Gauteng North won the Best Turned Out Region Trophy at HIR. Gauteng North Region say thank you to Roma Naudé and REMAX Property Merchants! Thank you Roma & Remax! 2010 Gauteng North Dressage Championships Chez Charlene Equestrian Centre - 13 November 2010 Ilizwe Silken Ribbons Floating Trophy Elementary Dressage We had a great show this past weekend. It was very hot but the show was well supported. We had over 100 entries. All four arenas were running on time. I would like to thank the Georgiades family for allowing us to use their superb facilities. Carol-Ann Paterson had prepared the arenas and surroundings in a very professional manner. Thank you. We could not run the shows without officials. I would like to thank our judges: Clare Bailes, Erica de Groot, Cheryl Kempin, Justin O'Reilly, Lyn Sacks, Janine Viljoen, Heletha Burmeister and Eino Vuorinen. The Show Directors: Alet Herbst, Michelle Harding and Jane Morris- Abson and our scribes: Danielle, Johan, Laurie, Carla, Gill, Blanche and Judith. The marshals, bit-checkers and runners: Alta, Carol-Ann, Mystique and Yolande. I am sure that the catering was efficient and food tasty. I just did not have time to eat. I would also like to thank all the riders and family members who support our shows. It is amazing. We have the regulars but we also get new riders attending our shows every time. Congratulations to all new champions and placed riders. Deetlef Stud, Western Shoppe and Sheleph Burger for sponsoring the new ILIZWE SILKEN RIBBONS floating trophy for Elementary. Thank you! I would also like to remind riders and trainers that Dressage Rules are available on the SANEF website. The rule explains who can have a whip in hand when training and riding a horse at an event. Rule explains how to exercise and/ or warm up a horse at an event. Please, study the rules so that we can avoid embarrassing eliminations. Our next show is in January We will confirm the date as soon as we can. I wish you a very relaxing year end. See you next year. Eino I would like to thank our generous sponsors: Bronberg Enviro Waste, Carin Gouws, Danielle Deetlefs, Farm Barn, Gauteng City Region Observatory, Johann Burmeister, Lorelock Stud, Maretha Lubbe, Von Cecilia Michaletos and Ilizwe Silken Ribbons 2010 Gauteng North Elementary Dressage Champion (graded) Cecilia Michaletos and Wolfram 2010 Gauteng North Novice Champions Mooikloof Issue 11,

12 Horseriding Sheleph Burger World Equestrian Games Lexington, Kentucky, USA including Leesburg (West Virginia), Indianapolis (Indiana), Las Vegas (Nevada) & New York At the closing ceremony of the 2006 World Equestrian Games, Aachen, Germany, it was announced that the next event will be in Kentucky, USA. We started planning for this event and to spend our annual holiday in the States. We left Johannesburg on Friday, 24 September. Our first stop was Washington where we spent some wonderful days with long-time friends Ed and Carol Slack. They stay at Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club (a Gary Player Signature Course), Leesburg, Loudoun County (North Virginia). On Wednesday, 29 September we left North Virginia for our long awaited trip to Kentucky. This was a road trip of over 900 kilometres with a stopover in Huntington, West Virginia. We arrived on Thursday, 30 September at our destination in Louisville East, Kentucky. We spent the next ten days in Kentucky during which time we visited the most amazing tourist attractions available in spectacular Kentucky. Some places visited during our stay in Louisville included the Mohammed Ali museum, the slugger factory and museum, and Churchill Downs. The world famous Kentucky Derby is annually run at Churchill Downs. BUT, most importantly, the main reason for our trip to Kentucky was to attend the 2010 WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES! The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games featured the world championships for eight equestrian sports from September 25-October 10, The Games are staged every four years, and this was its first occurrence in the United States, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Attendance topped across the 16 days, and media coverage included an unprecedented 8 ½ hours on NBC sports, as well as more than 300 hours internationally through the European Broadcast Union. Sponsors included Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan, Kentucky Ale, Reem Acra and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. In addition to an incredible host city and state, the world's best athletes, and the friendliest volunteer workforce in the world, it took a lot to stage the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Grand Prix Dressage Freestyle was attended on Friday, 1 October Showjumping was attended on 6 October, 8 October and 9 October. We left Kentucky for Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, 10 October. The highlights in Las Vegas were our trip to the Grand Canyon, the fantastic CHER show and the visit to the Hoover dam. At the Grand Canyon we went on a helicopter trip and also did the Grand Canyon SKY WALK. You're standing on a platform made of glass. The rim of the Grand Canyon is 20 metres behind you. The other side of it is five kilometres in front of you. Then you dare to look down and see nothing - nothing but 600 metres of air between you and the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Until recently, a sensation like this could only be experienced in dreams. But now, on a small Indian reservation east of Las Vegas, dreams and reality will meld into one with the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Located at Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the new Grand Canyon Skywalk opened to the public on March 28th The structure, consisting of a U-shaped cantilevered glass bridge jutting 20 metres past the rim of the Grand Canyon, was dreamt up by Las Vegas businessman David Jin while taking part in a Grand Canyon tour in With the help of Las Vegas design firm Lochsa Engineering, Jin's creation is sturdy enough to hold the weight of a dozen fully loaded 747s, and strong enough to withstand winds up to 161 kilometres per hour. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin led the first walkers on the Grand Canyon Glass Skywalk in a private ceremony on March 20th It is hoped that Grand Canyon West's Skywalk Project will give an economic boost to the Hualapai Indian Tribe, who have battled widespread unemployment and poverty for decades. After a wonderful week in Las Vegas, we departed on Sunday 17 October for New York. Highlights from New York include a fantastic day in Central Park, a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, Flushing Meadows and a ferry trip to Staten Island passing the Statue of Liberty. Mooikloof Issue 11,

13 Birds in Mooikloof "Cape White-Eye Identification This species is about 12cm long with rounded wings, strong legs, and a conspicuous ring of white feathers round the eyes. The upperparts are green and the throat and vent are bright yellow. They are very vocal, and constantly keep in touch with soft trilled pee, pree or pirreee call notes. The song consists of repeated, long jerky phrases of sweet, reedy notes, varying in pitch, volume and tempo, usually starting off with teee teee or pirrpu pirrup note, then becoming a fast rambled jumble of notes which incorporate mimicked phrases of other birdcalls. Behaviour This is a sociable species forming large flocks outside the breeding season. It builds a cup nest in a tree and lays two to three unspotted pale blue eggs. The eggs hatch in 11 to12 days, and fledging occurs in another 12 to13 days. The peak breeding season is September to December. Distribution It is found in a wide range of densely to lightly wooded habitats in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland. Most populations are resident, but some perform minor seasonal movements. From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia They are very vocal, and constantly keep in touch with soft trilled pee, pree or pirreee call notes. Mooikloof Issue 11,

14 Vakansie Flitse Al hieraan gedink? Hou hierdie lysie van belangrike items byderhand voor jy met vakansie gaan 1. Reisversekring en ok die bewys daarvan. 2. Inentings en 'n opgedateerde inentingskaart. 3. Medisyne soos pynpille, pille vir diaree, 'n room vir insekbyte, pille vir bewegingsiekte, sonbrandroom en ook iets vir infeksies. 4. en n Noodhulptassie met pleisters, verbande, 'n haartangetjie 'n skêrtjie. Insekdoder en muskietafweermiddel. Enige chroniese medisyne. Jou bestuursderslisensie. Geld en/of reistjeks. ID-dokument en/of paspoorte. Besprekingsdetail soos kaarte en bewyse. Wees wakker Bly wakker en veilig op die lang pad see toe deur hierdie wenke te volg: Stop en rus elke 200km om te verseker dat jy nie konsentrasie verloor en dalk aan die slaap raak nie. Moenie enige alkhol drink voor of tydens die lang rit nie. Hou 'n veilige afstand tussen jou en die motor voor jou. Hou binne die spoedgrens. Maak seker dat jou voertuig padwaardig is voordat julle in die pad val. Verlore troeteldiere Het jy seker gemaak daar is iemand om na jou troeteldiere om te sien wanneer julle rustig gaan vakansie hou? Maak vooraf seker dat alle hekke en omheinings geen gate het waardeur jou troeteldier kan klim nie. Genoeg water en kos is ook baie belangrik. As julle langer as 'n week gaan weg wees, is dit 'n goeie idee om iemand te vra om in julle huis te kom bly. Nie net is jy dan verseker dat jou diere kos kry nie, maar die persoon in die huis sal hulle ook minder eensaam laat voel en sommer 'n ogie oor die huis hou. As jy nie iemand kry om na julle diere om te sien nie, is 'n troeteldier-herberg 'n goeie idee. Die laaste ding wat jy wil hê is dat jou troeteldier spoorloos moet verdwyn terwyl julle weg is. Wees veiligheidsbewus Hier is vyf veilige wenke vir jou kinders. 1. Maak altyd seker dat daar toesig is as jou kindes swem, selfs al is dit by 'n vriend se huis. 2. Laat jou kinders by voorbaat elke oggend sonbrandroom aansmeer. Dit sal ook help vir skooldae wanneer hulle pouses buite deurbring. 3. Stel 'n reël in dat jou kinders altyd hulle sitplekgordels vasmaak as julle ry, al is dit net om die hoek om roomys by die supermark te gaan koop. 4. Gee vir elk van jou kinders 'n lysie met noodnommers as hulle onverwags in die moeilikheid beland en 'n volwassene se raad of hulp nodig het. 5. Maak jou kinders touwys oor veiligheid in publieke plekke. Leer hulle om hul beursies en selfone eerder weg te bêre as om dit ooglopend rond te dra waar enigeen dit net kan gryp en weghardloop. Wees iemand se engel Met elke vakansieseisoen styg die hoë aanvraag vir bloed net hoër. Dit is nou die ideale tyd om 'n verskil in iemand anders se lewe te maak. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Bloeddiens begin reeds in November voorraad opbou vir die Desembervakansie. Jy mag net elke 56 dae skenk. Skakel die SANBS by vir meer inligting of as jy wil weet waar jou naaste kliniek is om bloed te skenk. Voor jy bloed skenk onthou: Jy moet meer as 50kg weeg. Jy moet tussen die ouderdom van 16 en 65 jaar wees. Jy moet in goeie gesondheid wees. As jy seksueel aktief is, moet jy 'n veilige seksuele leefstyl handhaaf. Mooikloof Issue 11,

15 Recipe Make your very own braai sosaties this summer! Sosaties are a firm favourite at any braai in South African homes. Their origin is Malay and the word sosatie is taken from sesate which means skewered meat. These delicious skewers can be made out of meat, chicken or lamb. Just veggies can be used for the rare non-meat-eating South African! What you'll need: 1kg of the meat/veggie of your choice. Wooden or metal skewers Your choice of vegetables to add to the sosaties. Marinade ingredients: 2 large onions, chopped 125ml white vinegar 375ml dry wine 2 bay leaves 15ml sugar 45ml curry powder 30ml coriander 10ml salt 2ml cinnamon 2ml cumin Heat all the ingredients in a pot and allow to cool. Alternate threading meat/chicken cubes onto the metal or wooden skewers with red pepper and onion slices. Pour the cooled marinade over your sosaties and leave them in the marinade for a minimum of 24 hrs. Braai and enjoy! Mooikloof Issue 11,

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