Na 36 jaar lyk dit so

Life in Edward Street in 2017.

                                                                 Short contribution for local  newsletter:

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus (circa 500 BC) said the “only thing that is constant is change”.

     After 36 years living in a 110-year old house in Edward Street, I can vouch for it. When we moved in I was a relatively young mother. Now I am a widow and grandmother. When we bought the property in 1981 the asking price was R44 000. My late mother said it was a “lot of money”. Presently, the quote for 50% of a new roof equals that amount.

   The young plane tree in front of the house was my height. Now it is gigantic and the roots are trying to lift the foundations. The open carport adjoining the house had to be upgraded to a proper garage after two vehicles were stolen in the nineties.

    In 1981 the Edwardian façade was a joy to look at.  Less than two decades later all windows and doors were alarmed and burglar barred.

   A milk delivery service brought milk and cream in glass bottles to our front door. Those bottles are now sold in antique shops. I bring boxed milk back from the supermarket.

   Across the road a church bell called the believers to services, weddings and funerals. An organ was the only musical instrument. The bell became silent in the previous decade and the music shudderingly high tech.

   A dedicated municipal sweeper kept the street clean and the rubbish bag was promptly taken from the entrance gate. In the 80's the refuse team would actually send someone into our yard to empty the black bin!  Now the SRA does most of the job and residents pay extra.

   Beggars asked for food in the previous century. Boetie was a regular, shouting for salt: “Ek kook in die graveyard.” Recently it has become money, food and blankets. “I don’t eat peanut butter.” “My shoe size is 9.”

   I am not complaining. Just confirming the old philosopher’s pronouncement, and stalling change of address for the moment.