EDITORIAL

At gatherings and functions when one observes the conversations around them. One notices often, that many people are not listening to what is being said, they are simply waiting for the chance to speak. People are so impatient to get their point across; they simply don’t breathe before they speak. The simple strategy of breathing before speaking does have remarkable results for all those who have tried it. The almost immediate results include increased patience, added perspective, and, as a side benefit, more gratitude and respect from others. The strategy involves nothing more than pausing – breathing – after the person to whom you are speaking is finished. At first the time gap may seem an eternity – but in reality, it amounts to only a fraction of a second of actual time. You get used to the power and beauty of breathing, and you will come to appreciate it as well. It will bring you closer to, and earn more respect from those you come into contact with. All it takes is intention and practice. Some people are really not listening to the other person, but simply waiting for an opening to express ones own view. Some Talk Back Hosts are a classic example of this.

We often complete other people’s sentence, or say things like “Yeah, yeah” or “I know,” very rapidly, urging them to hurry so we can have our turn. It seems that talking to one another is sometime more like sparring back and forth, like fighters, rather than it is learning the art of conversation. This hurried form of communication encourages us to criticize points of view, overreact, misinterpret meaning, and form opinions all before our communicator is even finished. No wonder we are so often bothered and irritated with one another. Sometimes with our poor listening skills it’s a wonder we have any friends at all!

The answer - breathe before you speak and allow others to feel listened to for the very first time. You will sense a feeling of relief coming from the person to whom you are speaking – and a much calmer, less rushed feeling between the two of you. No need to worry that you won’t get your turn to speak – You will and it will be more rewarding!

Quote for the month

The faster you admit to not having the answer to something, the more time you have to find it.

LAST POST

1441349 Gerald Godfrey (Geoff) Cook Royal Air Force WW2 – Bomber Command

Ground crew Egypt

It is with sincere regret that we record here the passing of our comrade and friend, Geoff Cook.

Geoff was a member of this Association for a number of years. He joined us in Foxton where he had been a member of the Foxton RSA Executive for some time. Geoff was a very quiet person and was thought highly of as a member of our association. He never spoke much about the war, but he was good company and a regular attendee at our functions. He entered residential care at the Lonsdale Rest Home in Foxton about 8 years ago and passed away there after a short illness, on Thursday the 12 April 2012.  He will be sadly missed by his comrades and friends in Foxton. To his family in Wellington we express our deepest sympathy at their sad loss

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the son and in the morning

We will remember them

Matters about members & Welfare

Bill Giles has been back in hospital to have two stents put into his legs. At last report from Emma, Bill is coming right slowly. We are thinking of you Bill and hope you’ll be up and about again soon.

Bill Morton our Patron reaches the magical age of 90 years on the 25^th May. Many Happy returns of the day Bill. May your day be bright and sunny and may you be surrounded by family and friends for the celebration. I bet the Bundaberg Ginger Beer gets a hiding on that occasion.

Teresa & Bill Hewitt are coping quite well. Teresa says she tries to get up and about the house most days and she is thankful that so far the winter hasn’t affected us too much. She reports that Bill is wonderful to her and looks after her really well. She said that Bill is looking well too.

Speaking to John Lane the other day. He’s getting better all the time. He told me that he managed to get out on ANZAC Day to one of the parades in Marton.

Haven’t managed to reach Betty Nolan lately she must be up and about. Although I did find her at the next pokie machine to me at the Palm Nth RAZA one day during the month and she said she was quite well then.

Ted Keene continues to work behind the scenes for our group. Him and Pam do a magnificent job by ranging out all over the lower part of the North Island looking for suitable venues for our lunch venues. Going to the same old places becomes hum drum and we are always looking for new venues. We are very grateful to Ted & Pam for their assistance in this regard.

An early bit of light humor

A Pastor goes to the dentist for a set of false teeth. The first Sunday after he gets his new teeth, he talks for only eight minutes. The second Sunday, he talks for only ten minutes. The following Sunday, he talks for 2 hours and 48 minutes. The congregation had to mob him to get him down from the pulpit and they
asked him what happened. The Pastor explains the first Sunday his gums hurt so bad he couldn't talk for more than 8 minutes. The second Sunday his gums hurt too much to talk for more than 10 minutes. But, the third Sunday, he put his wife's' teeth in by mistake and he couldn't shut up...

Luncheons

The luncheon at Ohau Café was a resounding success. There were 24 present. The meal was really nice and the cost of the meals were very reasonable.  We never heard any complaints so it looks like we’ll go back there again in the not too distant future. The Horowhenua members were well represented and it’s always nice to see them. The first raffle for the year was drawn and the 1st prize went to Carolyn Donaldson and the 2^nd prize was won by Eric Ray. There are only six numbers left in raffle No 2.

The next luncheon will be at the Wharf 69 Café in Taupo Quay Wanganui on Tuesday the 8^th May. Bus departs 9-15 from the Palmerston North RSA and will pick up passengers on the way at Sanson and Bulls. We expect to get to Sanson at around 9-30 and Bulls ten minutes after that.  The cost of the bus will be subsidized. The bus is a 29 seater and the cost per person for the bus is $10.00 per head. Send your money in now so we can confirm numbers.  This promises to be a good day out. The Planning is for us to call into the Wanganui Airport Café for morning tea and from there move into the City and the Wharf 69 Café some time around 12pm.

On June 12^th we go to Murrayfield for the Mid Winter Christmas Dinner. Put the date on the calendar now. This has been the highlight of the year  for a number of years now and we hope that we will get the crowd again.  At this point it is planned that the Mid Winter Christmas Diner will be subsidized once again from raffle money. More about this function later, but members are asked to support the raffles.

Ladies Mile

It’s scientifically proven that women can be satisfied with only 3 ½ inches, and it doesn’t matter if it’s a Visa or MasterCard.

And ladies how about this

Mike was going to be married to Karen so his Father sat him down for a little chat. He said, ' Mike, let me tell you something.  On my wedding night in our honeymoon suite, I took off my pants, handed them to your Mother, and said, 'Here, try these on.'' She did and said, 'These are too big.  I can't wear them.’ I replied, 'Exactly.. I wear the pants in this family and I always will.' Ever since that night, we have never had any problems. 'Hmmm,' said Mike. He thought that might be a good thing to try. On his honeymoon, Mike took off his pants and said  to Karen , 'Here, try these on..! She tried them on and said, 'These are too large.  They don't fit me.'  Mike said, 'Exactly. I wear the pants in this family and I always will.  I don't want you to ever forget that.' Then Karen took off her panties and handed them to Mike. She said, 'Here, you try on mine! Mike did and said, 'I can't get into your panties.' Karen said, 'Exactly.  And if you don't change your smart-ass attitude, you never will.'

Lotto

31 March No 37 Dave Kinnaird again, 7 April No 14 Teresa Hewitt, 14 April No 25, 21 April No 30 Unclaimed, 28 April No 22 Unclaimed

Winning tickets in to Don and he’ll send the dough to you by return mail. Please note: there are now 4 spare tickets for the next period which commences on 12 May. People this is a good cause, as the proceeds go towards providing welfare to the members who may be ill or in hospital. If you are interested in being a part of this activity to help members in need, contact the Treasurer.

Executive Meeting

There were a couple of apologies at the Foxton meeting but the business on the agenda was covered fully. Discussion involved around the coming events and the need to plan for July, August & September at the next meeting in May. Various venues were discussed. There was some welfare matters and the meeting closed at 11-15am. The next meeting will be at the Palmerston North RSA on Wednesday the 16 May commencing at 9-45am.

Frivolous Freda

Nazis - intolerant racial groups - or even just unhappy individuals with their Hi everyone, well ANZAC Day over for another year, don't know if you attend but if you did hope the weather was kind to you, and legs and health stood up to it.

Disappointed that there was no mushrooms on the lawn this year, shop ones don't taste quite the same, and the house is a little low to the ground to be growing them under there. Spuds were lovely right from the ground, small but tasted really neat.

I hate growing old, isn't it shocking how we take our health and mobility for granted and somehow have the feeling that we are invincible, and, the aches and pains and complaints of others that lead to their lack of mobility and general incapacity will never happen to us. What a shock when it does! Still old age I think is better than the alternative.

One highlight of my winter is the dinner at Murrayfield, and it is really nice to have a mid winter event to break the monotony of the season. We should have a proper mid winter holiday to let everyone have this break, too long to Queens Birthday, give it some thought and maybe we could lobby our MPs.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could have some really good news in the papers and on the TV. Hate, death and destruction are prevalent, yet we have joy and caring in our lives so what happens to people like us in the wider world? Most religions teach love and tolerance yet all we hear are the fanatics preaching hate and intolerance, be they Muslims - Neo own axe to grind. Could we be latter day hippies, and preach peace and love, can't you see us all with flowers in our hair and dancing in the streets? Hope that brought a smile to your face. Will let you get on with your day now,

Freda

Laughter for all: Pished 'n swished in Glasgow

A woman goes to the Doctor in Glasgow, worried about her husband's temper and threatening manner.
The Doc asks: "What's the problem, Janet?
The woman says: "Weeell Doctor Cameron, I dinae know what to do. Every time ma hubbie comes home drunk, he threatens to slap me aroon'." The Doctor says: "Aye, well... I have a real good cure for that. When your husband arrives home intoxicated, just take a wee glass of water and start swishing it in your mouth. Just swish and swish but don't swallow it until he goes to bed and is sound asleep." Two weeks later she comes back to the doctor looking fresh and reborn. She says: "Doctor that was brilliant! Evrae time ma hubbie came home drunk, I swished with water. I swished an' swished, and he didnae touch me even once!  Tell me Doc...Wha’s the secret? How’s the water doing that?" The Doctor says: "Janet m'dear, it's really nae big secret. The water does bugger all - it's keeping your mouth shut that does the trick..."

Gerald Greenfingers says:

To watch the corn grow and the blossoms set; to draw hard breath over ploushare or spade; to read, to think, to love to pray,-these are the things that make men happy.

During this month you can transplant out Cabbage, Cauliflower & Broccoli. It is also a good time to plant out silver beet and spinach ready for the winter table. Just a few Leeks and onions are worthwhile as well at this time. Keep the snail & slug bait going.

It’s a good time to plant out a green crop, mustard, oats, or lupin in areas that you are not using for winter crops. You can dig this in as soon as the flower head forms. It is good for  soil structured.

Last year at this time, on the advice of a friend, I grew a mescal type lettuce in the glass house. I found that I could just break off a few leaves as I wanted them. This year I will sow small rows of radish and baby carrots in the glass house as well and so ensure I have good salads all year round.

Now is the time to spread lime over the lawn and to chip out any weeds that have appeared during summer. If you are digging over any part of the garden to fallow over winter, give it a good dressing of dolomite lime.

Keep the hoeing and weeding going to aerate the soil in you veggie patch.

Start to plan for any new fruit trees. Which can be planted soon. I am gradually replacing my bigger trees with dwarf stock. For someone who loves all fruits dwarf trees well kept allows more space for other trees. 

Gerald says- I find the love of gardens grows upon me as  I I grow older, more and more  

Good gardening to yuh all!  Gerald

Finis

Well that brings an end to the May 2012 Communicator. In another month we will be half way through the year. It has really been a year of challenges for our association. Most of us are of an age now when it is difficult to get motivated.  One just has to shrug off the lethargy and get on with life.  Our Executive Committee is a classic example of that syndrome, but there is no doubt about it, they put their shoulder to the wheel and continue keeping on for the sake of the association.

We have continued to plan our monthly excursions with a view to finding new venues in different places. We are always getting ideas from other members and endeavor to take on board each and every suggestion that the members give to us. In line with that, the things to remember are firstly the trip to Wanganui on the 8^th May. Remember the bus is subsidized, the cost being $10 per head. We plan to leave the Palmerston North RSA at 9-15 sharp on Tuesday the 8^th may, which is a week and a half away.  Please send you money if you can, but more importantly, phone in and confirm that you are going on the trip. We have heard from 11 people so far.

Then there are the ongoing raffles. The second raffle for the period was won by No 37 Geoff Braybrooke Levin, he won the kitchen scales. The second prize No 44 Carolyn Donaldson won the football money box.  The 3^rd raffle is well under way, so if you would like to show your support again the cost of the numbers are $2 a number.

There are 50 numbers and the prizes all donated by members are really top notch.  $20 will get you two numbers in the next 5 raffles. Money into the Treasurer at P.O. Box 107 Palm Nth.

Finally if you are interested in purchasing the weekly bonus numbers contact Don on 06 3296781.

In the meantime take care and keep on keeping on.

Yours Aye