Resident Email – Mayfair Care Centre
From Dzidra to be read to Erna

7.8.01
Hi Jodie,
I guess I’m still on Canada time… woke in the early hours and had to send something…
for Erna:
Hi Mum,
I’m back safely in Australia… the flight was long but all went well.
Today I will get slowly back to life here — paying bills, unpacking my suitcase etc.
Here everything at home is OK — the flatmates are fine, and the weather is fresh but lovely.
How are you? Have you had any pain?
If you have pain, ask the nurses to turn you to take the pressure off your left hip.
lots of love,
Dzidra

9.8.01
Hello Erna,
This is from Dzidra again.
Have you got your hearing aid fixed yet?
Probably not.
But Jonie said she is good at being loud!!!
I am slowly recovering from jet lag — I went for coffee with my friend Michael Britt at Bondi Beach today, and then I went to a gallery opening.
How is your leg?
Inese said you were doing the exercises very well.
[Handwritten note on printout: Reply 8/10/01]

11.8.01
Hi Joani,
at last I see your name’s spelling in print — sorry about the other efforts!
For Erna:
Hello Mum.
Here I am again. These letters come to Joani’s computer, that’s why they are so fast.
I am going to go to Canberra in a few weeks time, to see an exhibition by Frida Kahlo. She was a Mexican painter who died in 1954.
She did wonderful portraits of herself.
Today I will find out whether train or bus is better for travelling to Canberra.
Have you any pain?

13.8.01
This is another letter sent by computer from Dzidra.
How are you? Any pain?
Is it hot? Are you thirsty?
I went to the Opera House to see a play yesterday. Nothing very serious — light entertainment.
Then I went with friends to an art exhibition opening at a gallery and had dinner afterwards at a Chinese restaurant.
Did Faye take you outside in the garden?
I love you and miss you.

14.8.01
How are you today?
Do you still have the itch around your neck? [Yes — handwritten comment on printout]
Have the nurses been doing anything to get rid of it? [No]
And how is your leg? [Better]
Today I will go to another exhibition opening in Paddington.
Also, the builder finished putting the attic ladder today, and I paid him the $1,600 for the job! Too much money, but it is done.
It is not too cold — I have not had a fire for the last few days.
Is it hot there? Are you thirsty?

———-

[Dzidra to Inese]
Hi Inny,
Just wondering whether Joani (or anyone else) has been reading the emails I’m sending to Mum.
I keep putting relevant questions in them like “is your leg hurting?” with the idea that it would give Mum a chance to tell whoever is reading whether it is.
Ask her whether anyone has been reading them lately.

————

17.8.01
Hello from Dzidra again.
Good to hear that you are OK.
Ask Joani when she is going for her adventure holiday sailing on the ocean??
Here we had big wind which blew down trees in some parts of Sydney, but nothing near my house, thank goodness. But it did rattle our windows and wake us all up!
But today it’s early morning, and everything is calm.
How are you?

20.8.01
Thinking about you and wondering how you are.
I just sent an email to Inese, because I have not heard from her and am wondering how she is.
Yesterday I rang Talis. He is OK, working and going to parties.
Hope your leg does not bother you.

22.8.01
Hello Mammaa,
How are you today?
Any pain anywhere? If your itch is still bothering you, please ask whoever is reading this letter to you to tell the nurse, because when I was there I was told that the nurse would put cream on it to get rid of the itch.
Tomorrow I will got to Wollongong to see an art exhibition there.
I will travel by train.
Then the next day I will travel by train to Canberra to some exhibitions there.
I will email you again when I get back next Monday.
[Note: Replied 8/2/01]

23.8.01
Hi mum,
How are you?
Today I went to Wollongong and saw the painting exhibition and had lunch with Hans and his wife Mrianne.
Then, as Yanis Grauds had invited me to the theatre this evening, I got back to Sydney in time to go and see a play about a mother and daughter…!!!
Just like us!!
Tomorrow I’m off to cold Canberra!!! The friend with whom I will be staying has warned me to bring warm clothes!
Hope it is warm enough for you to eat outside on Friday.
Are you feeling OK?

27.8.01
Hi Darling!
I’m back from Canberra. I saw several exhibitions and a new museum of Australian history.
I stayed with a new friend whom I like — we get on very well. But Canberra is far away — it costs a lot of money to get there. So we will have to keep in touch by email. He has a son living in Sydney, so sometimes he comes to visit him… maybe we can have coffee also at those times.

Here in Sydney it has been raining all day. A woman friend who has one 2 year old son and is expecting her second child in October visited me today. We spent the whole afternoon talking and playing with her energetic 2 year old son.
Then Misko [right] rang and we went out and had coffee — and soon were arguing about Macedonia.
Today I finished reading a book I borrowed from Inese — a memoir written by a woman who was born in 1928. I like the book very much.
How are you today?
Are they sitting you properly in your chair so that the pressure is not on your left leg?
Look after yourself.

28.8.01
How are you today?
I did gardening this morning. The big tree that was cut down years ago and cut up into logs has been rotting because I have been coming to Canada every year in the Australian winter, and so have not been burning up the wood.
Now the wood has turned into dirt, but I have nowhere to put it. I have filled 4 garbage bins with it so far!
Then I met with my group of 3 other women artists. We will have an exhibition one day together, but tonight we just discussed politics!
Ask Joani if I can still keep sending emails while she is away on her adventure?
Hope you have no pain.

29.8.01
Today it has been raining all day.
I had intended to go to galleries, but stayed home, and now am looking at Russian art on the computer.
Talis (pronounced Taalis) is still playing football.
He will be 28 years old very soon.
How are you today?
Do you need a blanket on your knees?

1.9.01
How are you today?
Today I went half way to Wollongong by train to the opening of a sculpture exhibition in a huge garden. A Hungarian sculptor I know had some pieces in the show, and later about a dozen of us stayed back and had drinks and food in the house of the couple who owned the property.
Now I am looking at paintings on the internet on the computer again.
Hope you are OK, and are moving your legs and arms.

3.9.01
How are you today?
Have you been moving your left hand today?
I have been trying to clean up the backyard a bit today. I am burning some of the old rotting wood in my fireplace.
I am still looking at paintings by Russian artists on the internet on the computer. Some of them are very good.
Now it is past midnight and I will go to bed.
Can you still remember the alphabet?

4.9.01
Probably Joani is away now sailing on the open sea in her kayak!
What an adventure she will have, and she will probably come back even more suntanned!!
How are you today?
Are you keeping your bottom properly clean?
Have you any pain?
Keep moving your left arm too, and press your fingers together to make them straight.
I am learning about painting from looking at Russian paintings on the internet on the computer.

5.9.01
[Reply 9/12/01]
Inese said the weather has been hot there.
Here the weather has been lovely. Sometimes I light a fire in the evening, but tonight I did not bother, as it is not cold.
I went to the art gallery to see a film today, and now have been sitting at the computer looking at paintings.
One day soon I will go to the studio and do some painting myself!
Hope you are moving your arms and legs well.

——-

[Dzidra to Inese]
5.9.01
I suspect that no-one would bring mum the emails on the weekend… I’ve had a couple of replies which turn out to a bit corny because Joani writes them as though it’s mum talking, but in the last one she said that she’s off to do her kayak trip this Tuesday — like now — and that someone else would read the emails while she’s away… she didn’t say who.
I hope that the rest of the time it’s a daily thing (even if not at the weekend), so that it’s a daily check in with mum. Have the rest of the emails been turning up more or less daily? If so, perhaps it’s working. […]

——–

12.9.01
Hi darling,
Happy happy names day.
Hope the day is a good one for you.
I have spent the morning doing a bit more gardening.
I am learning not to try to do it all in one go, but to do a tiny bit on a regular basis, so I can put the rubbish in small bundles in the rubbish bin.
The sun is shining, and here I am sitting looking at more art on the computer!
Later I will go to have dinner and go to the theatre… first time I have been to the theatre (and paid for myself!!) in a long time.
Hope you are OK, and good that Joani is back safe and sound.

14.9.01
Hi Mom,
Hope the weather is nice enough for you to eat lunch with Joani outside today.
I had a lovely evening last night — the theatre was monologues by 3 actresses, and was excellent.
Tomorrow I will go to Manly on the ferry — first time in ages!
How are you today?

15.9.01
Hello Darling,
I hope you are getting these messages every day.
Today I painted a little bit — not very good but I must keep trying.
Tomorrow I will go shopping, but today I will not go out anywhere… a rest day.
Yesterday I caught a ferry to Manly and helped some friends fold brochures for 6 hours!!!
Do you have pain anywhere?
Is your neck still itchy?

17.9.01
How is your hip today?
Are you sitting properly with your weight on the right side?
Today Ruta Frejis (pronounced Phrase) rang from Newcastle. She sends you greetings, and says that Indulis is still swimming.
Today I cleaned the kitchen and climbed up a ladder to clean the leaves out of the gutter.
Hope you are exercising well.

18.9.01
Dear Dzidra,
So nice to hear from you so often — We read all the email today — 4 letters as we did not have time on Friday. Our lunch lasted too long and then on to walking class. We could have eaten outside on Friday but Joani thought it was a little too chilly. Joani and I think you spend too much time in front of your computer looking at art on sunny days — you should be outside!!! It is still warm here — yesterday was about 25 degrees and today about the same. Faye is with me today and continues to visit and help me with lunch and exercises. I feel good today and Inese was here to visit yesterday — she is ok as well. Did you enjoy the ferry ride? I don’t remember going to Manly. I love you and am waiting for you to come again — in July — (the last sentence is your mom’s exact words). Look after yourself and write soon.
Mom

2.10.01
How are you today?
Today I will go and get the photographs I took on the farm developed.
And maybe even go and do some painting!
It rained yesterday, but today is mild and sunny.
But the man on the farm I visited needs rain, and doesn’t get any!
Funny world.
Hope all is well at your end.

3.10.01
Hello. What is your day like today?
Have you had a good day?
I got my slides from the farm holiday developed today. Some are OK, while some are no good because I did not set the camera properly.
Tomorrow a friend and I will have lunch together and celebrate your birthday!
Move your arms and legs when you can.

4.10.01
Happy happy happy birthday!!!
Lots of love from Ruta and Indoolis Freys, who still remember those days by the beach with you in Newcastle.
Love from Talis too.
And mountains of love from me.
95 years young!
Hope you are having a good day today.

———-

5.10.01
[Talis to Erna]
Hello to my precious grandmother…
This is your one and only grandson Talis wishing you a very very happy birthday.
I hope all is well and that you are in good spirits.
Sending all my love and admiration.
Lotsa love Talis
oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxout.

———-

5.10.01
Well how does it feel to be 95?
All my friends here send you best wishes.
I have been looking at my farm photographs, as well as walking to some galleries today.
And of course sitting at the computer!
But in 2 weeks time I willgo to a different farm!! I went there once last year.
Maybe I will find time to paint tomorrow!
Hope you are feeling good.

14.10.01
How are you surviving the colder weather?
The food I bought extra for the visitor who didn’t come was nothing important — it’s just that I have to go back on an allergy died where I don’t eat things like bread or even fresh mild, so now I have to use those up before I can go on the allergy program.
It’s to try to train my body to react differently to all kinds of food, so that I can breathe properly.
How is your health?

17.10.01
The swimming pool has opened where I used to swim last year, but the water is only 20⁰ — too cold for me!
I will wait for a few weeks.
How is the weather there?
I am off to another farm this weekend.
I finished one painting so now I have to start a new one.
[Left: Dzidra in her studio with Erna’s portrait]
How are your exercises going?

22.10.01
Just minutes ago I came back from my trip to a different farm — and it was lovely.
Lovely people — an 80 year old and his wonderful 65 year old wife own it, and their 32 year old daughter, her husband and 4 month old baby live there too.
They had a discussion group of 11 people — we talked about terrorism and the “war” that America has started in Afghanistan.
I will visit there again in about 3 weeks time, and show my slides!
How are you feeling today?
Hope all is well.

23.10.01
How is your body today?
Anything need attention?
I did the first part of a course on art yesterday, and LOVED it.
One artist showed slides of his drawings, and I liked them very much.
Today I will do some more painting too.
Hope the weather OK.

24.10.01
Dear Dzidra,
Today is Wednesday and guess what woke me up? SNOW — about 3 inches and it was -6. Joani said the traffic was backed up this morning on the way to work because of the snow. It is now 4:30 in the afternoon and still some snow on the ground. The roads are dry. I am writing this email to you today because Joani is in a conference for the next 2 days and we will not be able to have lunch on Friday. I am so glad that you have found some new friends. That makes me happy. I am feeling well today and have no pain. To quote your mom — “I am actually feeling well and I too have some very good friends here.” I have not seen Inese today but perhaps yesterday. Inese and I were reading Latvian Folk songs and it was very interesting. I only want you to BE HAPPY!!!!! Take care of yourself and I will write again next week when Jaoni is back.
I LOVE YOU MOM

29.10.01
I hope that Joani is back after attending her conference.
It was good to talk to you today.
Do not worry about forgetting things! It doesn’t matter, and believe me — it happens to different degrees to us too.
Yesterday I saw someone whose face was familiar, but I simply have NO IDEA where I might have met her in the past.
So it goes!
I know it must be frustrating — but it’s not worth worrying about.
Today I worked on frames for my pictures.
And I painted some plant pots where I will  plant some of the ferns in the garden.
Hope you are well.

30.10.01
How are you today?
I wish I really knew.
I am glad that Joani is looking after you.
Today I had the second session of my art course — very interesting!!
We went to 2 galleries and saw how they work from the gallery owner’s point of view.
Then I worked some more on framing, and even did some painting.
Hope all is good…

31.10.01
I hope your knees and arms are warm.
I hope your bum is not sore!
Today I will go to visit a friend who has just had a baby and take some photographs while they are still in hospital.
The new baby’s name is Pablo.
Maybe he will paint like Picasso.
I finished framing my picture today, and will take it to the gallery next week.
How is Joani?

2.11.01
I went to a ball last night, and wore a dress that I made about 26 years ago!!! It still fitted!! Just!
And I got a compliment about the dress!
There were too many women as usual. I went by myself too! And I asked men to dance, and some of them refused!
How times have changed!
One man I asked, came by himself too, but when I asked him to dance, he said he avoids dancing… he didn’t dance all night. But he came to the ball!!!
Weird!
How are you — are you remembering to lift your legs and arms?
When I was dancing, I was glad that I had been doing my stretches every day.
Say Hi to Joani.

6.11.01
How are you today?
How is Joani?
Is there more snow?
It’s raining here today.
I’m sending people invitations, by computer, to the group show where I will have a painting hanging next week.
Yesterday I had my Art class again, and we went to visit a house in Vaucluse where a rich couple collect paintings.
It was wonderful!!!
Today I will print some designs on some tea towels!
Keep moving those legs and arms.

7.11.01
Dear Dzidra,
Joani is back from her conferences and back to emailing and lunch on Friday. Thanks for all your letters. I think we are now caught up. It was also very good talking to you and I will no longer worry about for forgetting things because you are right — it doesn’t matter. All is well here — we had some snow again on Monday but not too much. Yes my toes, knees and arms are warm and I feel not too bad. I am hoping to see Inese tonight. I don’t particularly like that name Pablo because every name has its charm — only because it comes from Picasso… but it’s ok.
WOW — 1st of all going to a ball is very impressive and wearing a dress you mead 26 years ago. I bet you were complimented on this dress!!!!! WAY TO GO GIRL. Your mom says you were a small girl 26 years ago. We are nearing Christmas but I am waiting for summer when you come. I am not in any pain today. It is a bright sunny day and I had a good nap this afternoon. We will try to write again on Friday just before our lunch group. We have a Remembrance Day Service on Friday morning so will talk to you  then.
Lots of love Mom

23.11.01
Hi Dearest Mom,
How is your chest and cough?
Are you having a nice special lunch with Joani?
I suppose everyone stays inside nowadays.
I had a visit from the young mother and her baby daughter — they are visiting Sydney. They live on that farm I visited.
She saw the photo I have of you on my wall and says we look alike.
Tomorrow I will finish printing the Tea Towels, and maybe get back to doing some proper painting.
Keep warm.

26.11.01
I just read en email from Inese that says your cough is still there.
I hope it is getting better.
I have just come home from the last day of my wonderful, wonderful course where we visited artists’ studios and have just come from a delicious lunch with bottles and bottles of champagne.
It was very interesting to see another side of the more successful art world in Sydney.
Suddenly summer has arrived here, and after weeks of cold weather, we are now getting all wilting in the heat.
I hope you are keeping warm.

——–

29.11.01
[Dzidtra to Inese]
What’s with the Mayfair care centre’s email — yesterday’s and today’s emails — sent just as normal — have bounced.
Most strange! Have they gotten sick of my many sendings, and put some sort of block on me?
Could you ask if they have changed it…

———-

6.12.01
Well I hope the last email got to you… it didn’t get returned here.
How are you today?
How is your chest?
Is everything OK?
I get worried when I don’t hear from you or Inese.
I am well… I’m expecting a visitor from Canberra to arrive any minute now — he will stay for the weekend.
Look after yourself.
Much love — write to me soon.

6.12.01
Hello Dzidra,
Finally our email is up and running again. It has been down for over 1 week — not sure why but has been an inconvenience to every one. So good to hear from you today. It is Friday and once again lunch with the gang. We only have 2 more lunches before Christmas. It was very special today — the chicken was excellent, I could eat all of it with my fingers. And so I did!!!! My chest is ok and I do not have any pain. I am very full program. Joani is well and the weather has finally gotten a little warmer. -22 is just too cold. I think it was 0 coming to work today and should hit a high of +3. Must go, write soon and I love you.
much love Mom

———–

10.12.01
[from Inese to Dzidra]
I assume that by now your emails are working again. I phoned Joani last week and she confirmed that the service had been out and was still down at the time. She said she would send you a message from her home that night. I don’t know if she did. One day last week, mum mentioned someone had read an email to her of you exhibiting. That one did not show up in her room. The last one I have is from December 6.

———–

14.12.01
Dear Dzidra,
Received your letters — I do enjoy reading them. We have just finished lunch — it was very good today, ham, baby potatoes, and peas — white cake for dessert. I am feeling ok today and very full. I had a good lunch. Not so cold here — I think it is going to be +3 today. Hard to believe that Christmas is only 11 days away. I am going to my walking program as soon as I finish this letter. Faye still comes to visit me twice a week. I wish it was sumer here like it is summer in Sydney. Joani says she would rather be eating outside. My cough is getting better.
I am just waiting for summer to come so you can be here and then we can visit. Write soon and I love you.
Mom

19.12.01
Greetings from a wet, stormy Sydney!           
How is the weather there?
Ruta Freiya rang me today from Newcastle and sends you best wishes, and says they all still remember the times you all went to the beach together with Indulis and went swimming.
She says to say hello to you and Inese and wish you all the best for Christmas and the New Year.
Remember to lift your legs and arms when you are in bed too.

19.12.01
Dear Dzidra,
It’s Friday again and we just finished lunch. It was good today — chicken pot pie and veggies, chocolate pudding for dessert. I can’t believe it’s only 5 days until Christmas. the weather is ok — cold the last 2 mornings… -15 but warming up nicely around the zero mark. I am feeling good and my wish for you is that you will be very happy for Christmas. By the way what are you doing on that special day? Joani is having 14 orphans (people whose children go elsewhere for Christmas) on Christmas eve. We just have finger food and play silly games and perhaps drink some wine. On Christmas day I will go to my best friend’s house and have dinner with 12 other people.
Dzidra — I send you lots of love for Christmas. I cannot wait until the summer when you visit me again.
MERRY CHRISTMAS DZIDRA!!!!! That is from Joani. We are off on Tues. and Wed. so will not email until next Friday. Take care and have a wonderful Christmas. Inese and I will sing Latvian folk songs on Christmas eve.
Lots of love Mom and Joani

25.12.01
Hope you are having a very merry Christmas!
I went to Windsor with Tanya and Austra and Ian and Imants and all the 5 sons who are grown up now.
Now we have bush fires burning all around Sydney — all the way to Canberra to the south, to the Blue Mountains to the west, and past Newcastle to the north.
All the sky is brown with smoke, and the sun shines through in a strange golden light.
Very different from your winter!
Hope you have a good Christmas dinner, and eat lots of yoghurt.

25.12.01

Dear Dzidra,
Merry Christmas and a Happy NewYear to you. I had a very good Christmas, Inese came to the home. I had a good dinner — turkey and all the trimmings. I remember Tanya, Austra and Ian so give my regards to them. We have heard all about the fires burning around Sydney but have also heard that no one has been killed or injured from them. The smoke must be terrible. One can only hope that rain will fall soon.Today is Friday and had lunch with the gang. Pork chops, mashed potatoes and peas — pineapple for dessert. It was good. It is very8 cold in Calgary today. Tonight going to -18 and a high tomorrow at -12, Sunday -16. Just about had enough of the cold weather. It is even snowing today and Monday will be our New Years eve party. Joani is fine — looking forward to her couple of days off over new years.
Be happy and have a very good New Years!!!!!
Much love Mom

2.1.02
Happy New Year to you — now it really is the New Year!!
I tried to send an email but I’ve just had a bit of trouble with the computer — had to call the technician on the phone, and all it took was one click… all fixed over the phone.
But when you don’t know which box to click, you’re stuck.
I’ve just been for another swim — in the early morning. It’s beautiful swimming under a clear blue sku, before the sun gets too hot.
Now I will go to the studio and do more drawings.
How have you been celebrating New Year? Did Joani have a good holiday?
What does she do on her break in such weather?

2.1.02
Dear Dzidra, or can I call you “smokey”
We  have just finished Joani’s lunch… happy and gay as usual. Everything is fine in Calgary. The weather has improved greatly… as we are now on the plus side… about plus 6 yesterday8 and today and perhaps up to plus 15 by Monday. Not quite swimming weather but will take it anyway. Got to love those Chinooks!!!!! How is all the smoke? The outlying areas are in trouble. Also received reports that this fire was started by very young people. Such a sad thing. Joani had a great New Years — went a disco and danced her socks off all night to the tunes of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees and “Dancing Queen” by Abba. Now that really dates me!! I had friends over for New Years dinner but other than that stayed fairly low keyed. The temp. in Calgary was minus 20 on New Year’s Day (with the wind chill). I am very tired today especially now after our big lunch. I did not see Inese yesterday but suspect she will be here on the weekend. Take care of yourself and find how to love someone and be happy. (Dzidra — those are your mom’s exact words — not mine). We will write soon.
Love Mom and Joani

5.1.02
How are you enjoying 2002? Are you warm?
Did you get any champagne?
I did!
But now I’m working every day in the studio [right], painting, painting on the old drawings.
Today I cooked up a big pot of stew and put most of it in the freezer. I will live off it for the next week!
The bush fires around Sydney are burning, and new ones are being deliberately lit every day!!! It’s awful.
There are no trees for miles and miles — less oxygen for us to breathe. Idiots!!!
Keep those legs kicking and lift those arms.

7.1.02
I’m having a bit of problems with my computer, but I think I’ve sorted it out.
Good to hear you had a nice lunch.
I have been painting today, but the drawings I worked on today are not very good ones, so nothing very good came of it. A bit disappointing.
This morning it rains, so I did not go for a swim — will have to go tomorrow, as this afternoon it turned very hot again.
However, the rain will have been good for putting out the bushfires a bit. But they are still burning, and it’s true that kids keep lighting them.
Over 100 houses have been burnt to the ground!
Hope you are exercising your fingers too.

8.1.02
How are you today? Are you cold?
Have you got the Koala purse I sent you?
Have you been exploring it with your fingers?
Yesterday I had coffee with Dagnia Greste and Vineta Lagzdins who is a Latvian artist who grew up here but has been living in Latvia.
She is going to study music therapy in Melbourne for two years. She does performance art.
Today I will paint again, and then go to a sculpture exhibition this evening.

8.1.02
Hello Dzidra,
Thank you so much for all the emails. As always it is very nice to hear from you. Yes today is Friday and another wonderful lunch. Baked chicken and french fries — all finger food which is very easy for me to eat. I really enjoyed it and ate well. The weather is very nice still — +5 during the day and always sunny which makes it feel warmer. It is so very sad to hear about the fires still burning around Sydney. What would ever possess those children to continue lighting fires. Such devastation!!! I am feeling very good today but very sleepy after my big lunch. Will have a rest after I finish this letter. Joani says thanks for the long email the of other day. I very much enjoyed reading it. I will send one from home when I get a chance. My email address is schuth@shaw.ca  I have lots to tell you.
I am looking forward to our time together in the summer — yes the months are passing — but not quickly enough. Take care and I love you!!!!
Mom

10.1.02
What temperature is it there today?
Here it is a hot summer’s day. I walked through Centennial Park to Bondi Junction and had a lovely Chinese meal with a friend, and did shopping.
Then I came back and painted a bit, but the heat is making me feel tired.
Tomorrow I will take a train to Austinmer where my friend Tom will get married on the beach!
How are you feeling today?
Try to get a tissue into your little purse.

14.1.02
How was the weekend?
I went down to Wollongong where my friend Tom got married on Austinmer beach.
It was a lovely wedding. On the way there, I saw miles and miles and miles of burnt country side. It was sad to think of all the poor animals.
Tomorrow I will go to the Blue Mountains for lunch with an artist friend, and so I’ll probably see even more burnt countryside.
There are still 50 fires burning in various parts of New South Wales.
Remember to lift your arms and legs.

16.1.02
How are you today?
Is it very cold there?
This morning, after swimming I went to Circular Quay and caught a ferry to Manly to see an exhibition which I liked very much.
Travelling on the Ferry is also something I have not done for ages, and it was lovely to look at Sydney like a tourist. The boats on the harbour are beautiful.
Later today I will pack for camping this weekend, and after that I am looking forward to getting back to the studio and doing some more painting. There have been rather a lot of distractions this last week.
Exercise your fingers — play sometimes with your koala purse!

28.1.02
How are you today?
I’m glad that Matt is able to read these emails to you. I got your reply, thank you.
I am still recovering from dancing Latvian folk dances on Sunday!!!
My legs are still hurting!!! It was fun, but I really did it a bit too enthusiastically!!!
The little teenagers around us old ones did not even raise a sweat.
I am sure glad I have been doing my stretches. You keep stretching too.

30.1.02
Hi Matt,
Thanks so much for reading my emails to Erna. Which days are you able to read them to her?
Hi Mom,
How are you today?
Inese wrote to me that it has been very cold there! Here it is hot, and some days it rains.
I did not go anywhere today, but tried to paint and read.
And I finished a box of chocolates that I got at Christmas. I only opened them 3 days ago, and now they are gone!
Remember to exercise your fingers and move your legs.

1.2.02
Hello Mom (and Matt)
I have just come home after a lovely swim after a week of rain.
The swim was lovely.
Then I ran into the Latvian actor, Gulbergs and we had a nice chat.
He also goes swimming, but he goes every day whether it rains or shines!
I also bought some fish at the markets, and lots of lovely fruit and vegetables.
So I am keeping fit. You keep fit too!
Exercise your fingers and toes!

4.2.02
How are you?
We are now, after all those bush fires, being flooded by endless rain!
My roof is leaking in several places, and I am waiting for the insurance people to do something about it!
I also can not go swimming, as it is raining night and day, non stop.
I painted a bit today, but feel a bit restless when I have to deal with roof problems and so on.
Never mind! You make sure that you do your exercises every day. I do!

4.2.02
Dear Dzidra,
Received all your emails — I so look forward to having them read to me and hearing all that you do. I am sorry it keeps raining but I guess rain is better than having no roof to deal with. Perhaps the fire — if it was still burning may have eventually gotten to it. Just a little humor. Joani is back from vacation in Honolulu. She said she had a good time and is as brown as a little berry. She returned on Wednesday, Feb. 6th and all is back to normal. We had lunch today, fish, mashed potatoes and broccoli. It was good and I ate most of it. I am feeling good today but a little tired. Will lay down after completing this letter. I hope the insurance is settled on your roof by the time you receive this letter. I saw Inese a couple of days ago and would like to see her again soon. We still sing Latvian folk songs and Inese is delighted with the poetry. Take care of yourself and don’t stress out — life is too short!!!!! Write soon and as always, I love you!!!!
Mom

13.2.02
And welcome back Joani! Honolulu!!! How exciting!!
I painted today, and realized I have to add more color to my old drawings — be more playful with them.
I rang Talis today. He is working on building houses — gets up at 5 o’clock every morning.
Tomorrow, if it doesn’t rain again, I will try to go for a swim.
And do more painting!
Keep exercising.

18.2.02
Dear Dzidra,
Our email is finally up and running. It was so good to hear from you again after all this time. I really miss getting letters from you. I feel very good today — had a lovely lunch — pork chops and all the trimmings — pineapple and cake for dessert. The weather has improved greatly +16 today and I think most of the week was around these temperatures. No snow left YEA!!! until Monday when the weather man is forecasting flurries and cooler temperatures. Maybe he’s wrong. Please continue to be happy and enjoy life. I can hardly wait until June when you arrive. Seems like a long time since we were together, Hopefully we can once again have lunch in the gazebo just like last year. Keep healthy and look after yourself!!!! Jaoni is fine — Eating and fresh air is important.
I love you very much
Take care Love Mom

18.2.02
Just came back from swimming and opened the computer for the first time in several days and found your email waiting for me.
Today is fine again after several days of rain. I will go and do some shopping and go to see an Australian movie called Moulin Rouge.
I went to 2 Latvian theatre performances by the Latvian National Theatre Group that have been visiting Australia. So 2 days in a row I listened to Latvian, and could not understand all of it, but enough to work out what was going on.
One of the actresses was not very loud and quite hard for me to understand. Some other actors were much easier.
The play was a modern one about Latvians today — both those living there and those from overseas visiting. It was quite enjoyable.
Keep exercising. See how Joani runs in marathons!!!

21.2.02
What a glorious swim I had today! It was warm and sunny and just delicious.
I swam longer than usual. I just didn’t want to get out of the water, it was so lovely.
Then I loaded up my shopping bag with heavy fruit and vegetables, only to find they were having a bus strike today, and so I had to walk all the way home!
Now it’s already late afternoon and I have not gone to the studio yet!
But I will!
Exercise your arms and legs!

24.2.02
I have been sorting out slides to show at Mishko’s [right] celebration of one year of his “Wog Art” magazine tonight.
A whole day taken just getting the slides organized!
I hope tomorrow I can get back to the studio and get a bit of painting done.
How are you today?
Is your leg OK. Do you still have pains anywhere?
Hope everything is going well.

24.2.02
How are you today?
Last night I showed many slides at Mishko’s celebration of one year’s publishing of his art magazine.
The slides were of my paintings, and also some “scratched slides” where I scratched images onto the surface of the slide itself.
Today I feel too tired to go swimming, but I will do my exercises here at home. And anyway, it has just started raining again!
It sure is hard work keeping fit!
I hope you remember to keep exercising too.

26.2.02
Computers, computers computers. What a lot of trouble they can be,
Now my printer is not working — I hardly ever use it… so I don’t know why it has stopped workoing properly.
How are you?
Is the weather getting warmer??
Here, we have bright sun one day, and rain the next, and back again.
Hope you are stretching your arms and turning your head from side to side.
Most importantly — breathe deeply so oxygen can get to your brain!

27.2.02
How are you feeling today?
I feel a little better because I have worked out that my computer printer just needs new ink — even though I have not used it much, the cartridges apparently only last for one year, then they dry up.
But what a learning process it all is, and how time consuming.
Maybe I will get into the studio today — I have not done any painting for days!
It’s raining again today, so I just did stretches instead of going swimming.
Hope you are breathing deeply and slowly.

28.2.02
How are you today?
I am up early as I will go for a swim for the first time in about 4 days.
I hope the water will not be too cold.
I rang Talis yesterday but he was out playing basketball with his friends, so I spoke with his girlfriend, Narellle.
She is preparing to go overseas even if he does not come with her. She is saving money, but so far, he is not managing to save much.
We will see!
Breathe deeply!!!

4.3.02
How are you?
I am very well — today I came back from camping at the weekend near where you and Talis and I camped many years ago at the Wollondilly River.
It was marvellous to be in the country again — I saw kangaroo, and again some lizards.
Tomorrow I will have to wash clothes and sheets.
I walked, and swam in the river. It is not deep.
Breathe deeply every day, and exercise your arms and legs.

6.3.02
How is the weather there today? Here the day was sunny and warm, for the first time in ages!
I went to the Art Gallery to meet Dagnia [left] and discuss the photographic exhibition we both are going to organize for the Latvian Culture Festival (Kultur Dienas) at the end of the year.
We also saw some lovely drawings there by one of Australia’s old masters, Lloyd Rees, who died a few years ago.
How is your deep breathing going? Get plenty of oxygen into your lungs.

7.3.02
Hello Darling,
It’s raining lightly again today, after a beautiful sunny day yesterday.
Just now Uldis Abolins, the Latvian painter, brought back two of my paintings from the Latvian centre in Strathfield where they were in an exhibition [right].
One is actually a pencil drawing of you that I did when you came to Australia to visit me nearly 10 years ago.
So now I have to fit 2 more pictures on my walls somewhere.
And today I will go into the studio and do some more!!!
Breathe deeply, and exercise your neck!!

9.3.02
How are you today?
Have you touched your nose with your left hand today?
This afternoon I went to a friend’s place in North Sydney to get a free massage!!! He is doing a course, learning how to massage, and need people to practise on!!!
It was great. When he was massaging my feet, I remembered how I used to massage your feet when you used to sit in that chair in front of the TV.
I will massage your feet when I come to visit you this year.

11.3.02
How are you feeling today?
Here, at last, the sky is blue and the sun is shining brightly.
The man who will fix the roof has just been to look at it, even though it’s not leaking after they did a temporary patch up.
However, they will start a bigger fixing job, and I can only hope it doesn’t rain in the middle of it!
I have just finished my stretches. Have you been doing your stretches too?
And breathing deeply?

13.3.02
How are you?
How is your bottom?
I hope they can work out how to make it clear up.
I went for a swim today — even though it had been raining in the night. I still have 3 more swims on my ticket that I have to fit in before they close the pool at the end of the month.
I will go camping agin this weekend.
I painted yesterday, and will paint again today, so that is good.
Breathe slowly and deeply.

14.3.02
I do hope any problems you are having with your bottom are sorted out.
Today I am getting ready to catch a train half way to Canberra to meet my friend John who lives in Canberra. Then we will go camping in the same place where I went 2 weeks ago with different friends.
I will take my camera, even though I don’t feel much like taking photographs of trees any more! I will come back on Monday.
I think my next series of works — both photographic and painting, will be about the city [sketching on the harbour, left].
Keep breathing deeply and slowly, and exercise your fingers.

18.3.02
How is everything today?
Any pain?
Today I came back from a few days camping by the river, going swimming in it, going for walks taking photographs.
Tomorrow the builders will deliver the materials to fix the roof.
And I have to work out how to work another piece of computer equipment — I bought it last week but haven’t unpacked it yet.
Lots to do.
Breathe deeply. Exercise your legs. And your eyes.

20.3.02
How are you feeling today?
Here we are having some warm sunny weather again. A late Summer.
I painted yesterday, and today will go to the University shop to get another bit of computer equipment even though I have not even worked out how to use the last new bit (scanner) yet!
So it goes!
I hope the weather is getting warmer there too!
Lift your fingers to your face, touch your head with both hands, and breathe deeply.

23.3.02
Inese wrote me that you have a catheter in — I hope this time they stop resisting using zinc cream and get smart.
I hope it all goes well and heals quickly.
I swam again this morning — I have only one more swim left on my ticket and I have to use it in the next 4 days before they close the pool for the winter.
I bought lots of veges at the market today, and also some nice fish. I will cook it marinated in ginger and garlic.
Tomorrow I will go to friend’s place for a BBQ to celebrate his 56 birthday. It’s Inny’s birthday too, on Wednesday 27th.
Hope you are all having some warmer weather coming your way.
Say hi to Cathy when you see her.

24.3.02
How is it all going? Are you feeling OK today?
I have not been out of the house today — I have been going into the studio, painting a bit, then doing something else. Then going back and painting a bit more.
Little bit by little bit.
Sometimes it’s OK, sometimes not so good.
The sun is shining brightly today — I hope it warms up the swimming pool for my last swim tomorrow morning.
Hope you have time to do something interesting for Inese’s birthday on Wednesday.

26.3.02
How are you?
Well today I paid for my aeroplane flight to come and visit you — I’m coming in June.
So keep fit and healthy.
Tomorrow I’m going early to catch a but to Canberra for Easter, and will only be back on Tuesday.
So you won’t get any more emails from me for a week.
I’m going up now to look at an exhibition by a woman whose paintings I really like — abstract stuff.
I’ll write when I come back next week.
Breathe deeply. Get plenty of oxygen to your brain.

2.4.02
I’m back from Victoria where I had a lovely few days driving through the country side. I visited Ruth who used to be the music teacher in Wollongong.
I saw some lovely country villages and lots of beautiful countryside.
Tomorrow I will have to do the laundry and get back to life in Sydney.
I hope you had a good Easter, and that it is getting warmer for you there.
Breathe deeply, and lift your arms.

3.4.02
I’m still getting over my Easter break. I seem to have come back in the mood to do a bit of much needed cleaning and tidying.
But of course there’s always too much to do.
How are you today?
How is the catheter — is everything working OK?
I can only hope it is.
[Handwritten note added: Inese, These are the emails that were not read to your mom — They’ve been lost in space until now. Thx Joani]

———–

4.4.02
[Inese to Dzidra]
Joani at Mayfair said to tell you that their email is not operating, has not been for a couple of weeks, and they are not sure when it will start operating again. They are changing service providers.

———

4.4.02
Today is another lovely sunny autumn day, not hot — fresh, but very still, with no wind. Peaceful.
Except that I am having some problems with my computer. But it’s just a case of learning how to work it all out.
Tomorrow I will go and see galleries, and today I will do some more organizing and hopefully do some painting too.
I also have to go and pick up the ticket to Canada which is waiting for me at the travel agent.
I hope everything is OK with you.
Later on the same day in the afternoon: Well this weather is crazy! It is now totally gray, windy and pouring with rain!!!

——–

6.4.02
[Dzidra to Inese]
Is it worth then to send these daily dribblings for Mum to you to take to read to her, or should I not bother the Dear Mom versions I’ve been sending to Joani, and just communicate to you whenever relevant, and you keep mum informed.
I can send these daily things of something I’ve done each ay if you think it makes a difference to her — or just not do it if it’s a fuss.

———

12.4.02
[Inese to Dzidra]
Just a quick note. Got a whole package of your emails to mum at Mayfair today (from February to the present). All except one Joani replied to had not been read to mum because they had not been received because of the changeover in their service provider, I assume. I read bits and summarized bits to mum.
And, in the same vein, to answer your earlier question, I do not think that you need to send more than one email a week. I suspect it is all too much for them and for mum. She is still on Joani’s version of Friday lunches, and I am pretty sure that that is the only time that emails get dealt with.

——–

14.4.02
Glad I can write to you again, but this is an experiment — I’m having trouble sending emails!!
I’ll try again soon.

14.4.02
So good to hear the weather is a little bit warmer there.
Here we have had a few weeks of wonderful weather. This morning, for the first time ever, I went to Centennial Park and did my stretches there, under the trees and the birds.
It was lovely.
Just now I have had lunch with a friend, and we had a big ice cream cone for dessert.
Now I will go and do some painting at last, as I think the computer is OK and is slowly sending messages properly.

19.4.02
Is the sun warming you up there yet?
I have just been to a lecture listening to 5 of our Australian artists talk about the Blake Prize for Religious Art — the one I got a painting hung in 33 years ago!!!
Afterwards I came home and cooked a whole fish that I bought at the market today.
I like going to the park and doing my stretches in the open air.
I hope you are doing your stretches too!
and breathe deeply.

19.4.02
Dear Dzidra,
We just finished an excellent lunch. My favourite… fish and chips and butter tart. All easy food to eat with my fingers. Don’t know about the weather. We keep going from winter to spring. Supposed to be warmer this weekend. Highs near 16 but by Tuesday… highs plus 2 and snow. What’s with this weather? Will summer ever get here? I am waiting very patiently for you to come. Hopefully we will be able to eat outside jus like last year or am I being too optimistic? Inese is also waiting for you to arrive so all of us can spend time together. Please be careful. I want to see you healthy and happy. Joani received your email and she will respond this weekend. Her computer has been down because of her move. Thanks for the mail All up and running again. Take care and I miss you very much.
Love Mom.

20.4.02
Yesterday I went to the Blue Mountains with the Latvians to visit some galleries, and to see Rainis Zusters’ wife, Venita Salnajs.
It was a nice day, we all ate too much, but of course it was delicious.
Today I swam in the morning, and in the afternoon I’ll go to a party with people interested in philosophy!
How are you feeling today?
——–

19.5.02
[Dzidra to Inese]
[copy of her own email to Joani]:
Hi,
I should get to Calgary around June 17. It would be great to do a meal or whatever, sometime.
Inese has emailed me that Mum’s hearing aid went missing last week, and there is still no sign of it.
Since that’s the last bit of contact that Mum still has with the outside world, what with her sight gone, and it being the Nursing home’s responsibility, what do you recommend?

[Reply] sent by Joani, 8th May, 02.
Hi Dzidra,
Just a short note to let you know your mom is ok. I have forwarded the email, regarding your mom’s hearing aid, on to the powers that be. Hopefully something will be done about it. Your mom is really looking forward to seeing you in June. To her, it seems far away.
Will not email you on Friday as usual, as I won’t be there. Taking a few days off and going to Vancouver for the weekend. Looking forward to it. If you haven’t already heard, we had 45 cms. of snow in Calgary yesterday. UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Today is supposed to reach highs of +2, so maybe some of it will melt.
Take care and we will write next week.
Cheers Joani

[Dzidra]: That’s the last I’ve heard.

——–

23.9.02
Hello Mom,
How are you, Inese told me about the awful trouble with your hearing aid.
It really is not good enough!
Does it mean you will not even be able to hear this email?
I hope responsibility is taken, and this does not happen again.
I hope you are OK, and that your chest and other infections are getting better. Keep drinking lots of water.
I love you very much.

4.10.02
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
lots of love and best wishes from Dzidra and Talis!!!!
Congratulations for having reached the wonderful age of 96!!!!!
Thank you for being a wonderful mother and grandmother!
We are celebrating here — I hope you are doing the same there.

7.10.02
Hope you had a wonderful birthday.
It was good talking to you on the telephone, even though you could not hear me — I could hear you!
I have got a new flat mate who will move in on Friday. He is visiting from England, and so will stay only a few months.
Then I will have to advertise again!
I’m thinking of you and sending you all my love.

11.10.02
How are you?
How is everything going? How was your birthday?
How is your cough? How is your hearing aid?
I rang Talis yesterday and he is fine.
I am fine too, and still getting ready to go and show drawings to galleries.
Breathe deeply.

———

6.11.02
[Dzidra to Inese]
for mum:
Milo Mamin,
Nu rakstu Inesei nevis tiem citiem — lai varetu rakstit Latviski, un vienkars nezinu cik biezi tie nak tev lasit to ko es tev rakstu.
Labak lai Inese tev izlasa.
Sodien tiriju maju — vecais flatmate ari tirija savu dalu. Redzesi vai jaunais kaut ko izdaris.
Tagad jaiet uz Redfernu kur iedevu 2 slidites lai man iztaisa bildes ko liksu foto izstade Kulturas Dienas te Sidneja gada beigas.
Mums ir LIELS sausums… lopi nikst nost, uguni deg vairakas vietas arpus Sidnejas. Es jau ka parasti leju udeni no vanas un velas uz darza, ta ka man jau aug viss ok. Lielais eikaliptu koks ar aug, par daudz!!
Ka jums iet?
[to Inese]:
Is it ok to write thus to mum via you? Can you make head or tail of it or should I try to double up letters to indicate garum zimes (eg ziimes) as I saw being done some where, or s* to indicate ‘sh’ etc? Would you prefer I just write to Mayfair?
I haven’t written for ages.

———

6.11.02
[Inese to Dzidra]
Yes, you can send mum letters via me. It is a good idea. And don’t bother with anything to indicate the accents.

————–

20.11.02
[Inese to Dzidra]
As for mum — your letters have been great. She can hear and understand them. It works. Even when she cannot remember — she does, when I point it out. And she thinks that you have such good Latvian, and I am sure it makes her heart glad.

—————