16January1995

London: 16 January 1995
My dear folks,

I have been rereading your letters and faxes. I find that two readings are necessary, one to enjoy the news, and a second - at least a week later - to really consider it. I started with Ann and Kev's, taking in for the first time just how nasty a fall Ann had suffered (you're fated) and absorbing their holiday at Whitefish and Conal's progress on skis (so many memories) before reading again about their new, planned to the last nook and cranny, home. We know so well the excitement of watching a house grow (Jones' micro-apartment is also making great strides). Kevin, what horizons now? And how's Penny's job-search going? Barbara's youngest half-brother, Llewellyn, has just found himself a job with Business Day in Jhb after working his way through a degree at UCT - but finding no work on offer in Cape Town.

Next to Cathy's chilly break at the German farm. I was surprised to find how ill you had been received Cath, however kind your hosts. And pleased to hear that things righted themselves in due course. One invests so much hope and expectation in a holiday, as well as money. I can just imagine the loving welcome the cats and kittens must have received. And I can see Rolf and Erica astride their chargers as I can still picture Micaela on hers.

Then on to Mum's Christmas letter - her joy of being at the farm with so many members of the family combined with the pain of seeing the severity of Uncle Desmond's illness. Got fingers crossed! I loved the line about how the 85-year-old who had climbed Kilamanjaro encouraged Aunt and Mum "to take a brisk walk up and down the lawn after supper".

Barbara and I took such a walk yesterday, to have lunch with friends who live about a mile the other side of Hyde Park. I badly needed the exercise, having done little but work and sleep for a week. Jones, who's a walkaholic, didn't need it but enjoyed it anyhow. It took us an hour there and - after an excellent lunch - an hour back. Other guests included our SA friends, Ann and Julian & their son, Nicholas, who is heading for the ceiling. All three of them enjoy an interest in computers and had brought over their new laptop to demonstrate some programmes to me. I was fascinated and reluctant to leave. Julian is planning to have his company computer boffin spend a day with the pair of us. Nicholas is an ace.

No firm news yet of my own new computer. I am hoping that it may be ready for collection towards the end of this week. But I suspect that it will be next week. I don't mind. I've patience enough and will enjoy it all the more when it comes. There is one possible complication in my life which will severely curtail the computer hours available to me. I may be transferred to the Arabic TV Dept (I went in today for an interview) something that would mean spending all my spare time learning Arabic. The job has other advantages or I'd not have considered it. We'll see what we see. Inshallah! I should know tomorrow or Wed. I think I'll be pleased if I get the job and relieved if I don't.

Jones is preparing to return to Portugal on Friday. I'm still trying to put a little weight on her frame and take a little off mine. She says she has put on 2 kgs. I don't see any evidence. But as you will know for yourselves, it is no easy matter to get one's partner to change (or to change oneself for that matter). We have a certain momentum in our rush through life and it takes auspicious stars to alter our orbits. There, that's enough reflections for one day. Love you lots.