Why Uncle Spud Murphy

[Uncle Spud Murphy]

Greetings,

If you read my post "Coming to Africa" you will see that I have a South African Son-in-Law who is a good Husband to our Daughter and a good Father to our Grandson.  I will try to write the following in such a way that I do not give you people a way in to take the #iss, however.  I do believe that would be an impossible task, so I will have to remind you.  Whether you like it or not, you cannot escape the fact that my Family now has South African blood in it's veins.  Keep that thought in mind now, because the union between Robbie and my Daughter Tina produced Benjamin and that makes me and my softness South African by marriage so I expect, respect from you underlings.  This is the point where I say "Yeah right" you got no chance mate.  Your speaking to people who were raised to take the #iss and do it very well, so step back, have a Klipdrift and roll with the punches, hah!!!

In "Coming to Africa" Wart suggested that I explain the origin of 'Uncle Spud Murpy' and this evening I learned another word that also relates to my origin and that's Mazambaan, which is apparently an SA cure for aids.  There you go, my teacher said I would amount to nothing  in my life.  I have been Army, Merchant Navy, Scaffolder, Debt Collector, London Fireman and Prison Officer in between working for myself on four occasions.  Now I am recognised as a cure for aids.  How dare my teacher say I would amount to nothing in life ah!! But I digress.

Yes, right. Uncle Spud Murphy, now where does that come from? I am sitting here in my little den in the garden listening to me Irish music (Clue) and thinking to meself "Do I want a glass of that dreadful tasting Martell Brandy that is the closest I can find to Klipdrift, or shall I continue doing what I am doing now.......... Yor going to have wait me boy, that's for sure.

Roight den, I be back and this is me sixth glass so what ever I say now, I will deny it - it never happened. My Mother was English and my Father was the son of an Irish-man trew and trew. My Grt Grandaddy was Daniel Murphy who was a Stone Mason of note in County Cork. I have his picture, so I have and if I can ever figure out how to do it I would post it with pride. My Grt Grandma now was Mary Margaret O'Rioden and a hand-some woman she was. Stunning is the word and I have a photo of her to, so I do. My Mary Margaret died giving birth to her 14th Child and the child Norella died as well. They were buried together with the child laid against the Mother's breast. Daniel drank himself and his business to death within the year and I have sat in the seat, at the pub where he did it. Sorry guy's, I was hoping to make this a funny story and my emotions got the better of me. One day I will tell the story of my ancestors from Ireland, but not right now.

Okay dokey: Uncle Spud Murphy!! Where does it come from. Mazambaan is a good start. Zulu for potato, another word I have learned and I am learning words in Afrikaan as well even if the spelling is k@k. Have to go Irish now, to be sure because I am listining to music now. In Ireland they call potatoes Murphy's and in England they call em Spud's. When I went to SA for the first time to see our Grandson I was greeted by the words 'Uncle' by Robbie's friends and I never knew I had such a big family. So there you go, Uncle Spud Murphy was born though you can call me Jerry because you do not need to show me respect. All of you have already done that and more so. Not in the physical sense (Apologies to the few) but I love you Guys and you can take the #iss out of me whenever you want to and I will laugh the loudest.

ALLES VAN DIE BESTE

[Wart]

Oom Mazambaan, many thanks for the explanation. I am sure that many of may sleep a lot better at night now knowing the origins of your rather peculiar nick.

On a few of your points, it is beetroot and not spuds that is the cure for AIDS and in fact taking a shower before eating the beetroot goes a long way in assisting. I personally would take a shower after eating the beetroot especially if it is preserved in vinegar which can stain.

South Africans are known as very, very serious people who would in no way take the @iss out of anyone, nor mock them, their origins or to throw proverbial punches. But I must just say that being as confused yourself about your origins (are you half Irish or Half English?) we can fully accept that you have a double barreled name (still don't know it is England or Ireland that you want to claim as your "mother land") which leads me onto my origins. Many a time, when traveling around the globe and announcing that I am from South Africa, people will ask in a slightly hushed voice "So where were you born?". When proudly announcing South Africa as my land of birth with shock that usually proclaim "But you are not black!!". I then have to go into the origins of my pale skin tone starting with "A long time ago....". This is followed by an explanation of how the British came to South Africa, klapped (that means slapped!) few blacks, then a few Boere and then claimed many parts of South Africa as their own. Hence the roots on 1/4 of my parents blood. The other 2/4 followed many years later, after all the squabbles were over and the NP were firmly entrenched in governing this beautiful country which many folk from the mother land (UK - I say this as I have Irish, English and Scottish blood coursing through my veins and at conflict with itself all the time!!)flocked here to make their fortunes. The last 1/4 followed many years later after meeting the love of his life here whilst touring with a band and returning shortly thereafter to this beautiful country to get married and have a family (thank goodness for that otherwise I may never have been around).

So we now still do not fully understand the origins of "Uncle Spud Murphy" but will leave that for another day for fear of you asking the origins of "Wart".

I am now off to go and poke some holes in the sky in my Aquilla...

[GR8-DAD]

Uncle Spud, with people like you this country will only be a better place - you have already earned your citizenship

Lot's of new words still to learn.... ...Durban Gold , konsentrasiekamp , windpompsherrie, etc. good luck....

[AndyG]

Spud,

I like your sense of humour. You are going to fit right in when you get to SA.

[Gyronaut]

Uncle Spud me Mate

Since your first post here, your enthusiasm has been most refreshing! The cost of the telephone chats we've had long distance would probably equate to the GDP of a small African country, nevermind buy you a small plane. Hats off to the Doctor that took you for a flip in his microlight in Phalaborwa and evangelised you. I know your enthusiasm will be contageous and you will be an asset to the microlight fraternity.

As for heritage, I am a 5th generation South African from French/Dutch descent and no doubt spatterings of African along the way. I am an African and klaar. It doesnt really matter at the end of the day because I believe that love of this country is enough to make you a citizen in good standing.

I am holding thumbs that you will get that house sold now so you can get here, your training can start and you can begin to share the wonderful experience of being in command of your own aircraft, no matter how humble, over paradise.

Best wishes Mazambaan!

Len

PS Its also African Potato that supposedly has magical healing powers against HIV/AIDS not Irish murphy's or English spuds, so get here!

[Grumpy]

Uncle 'Maz'
Got an Irish mixed grill awaiting your arrival.!!
Mash, baked, boiled, fried, grilled potatoes PLUS slapchips, crisps, parisienne.
What a feast.

[Morph]

Uncle Spud,

South African's are very respectfull to older people and will call you Uncle or Oom as a sign of such. We are all one big family anyway

as far as roots go, 3rd Generation South African, 1/4 Southern Welsh, 1/4 Scot, 1/4 English, 1/4 French Hugenots.

[GR8-DAD]

Uncle Spud,

South African's are very respectfull to older people and will call you Uncle or Oom as a sign of such. We are all one big family anyway

as far as roots go, 3rd Generation South African, 1/4 Southern Welsh, 1/4 Scot, 1/4 English, 1/4 French Hugenots.

...en wat van die hardegat hollanders......

[Uncle Spud Murphy]

Greetings

Been on the mainland today looking for a 'Station Clock' to hang in the Lapa along with the .303 (I kid you not) and war drums to bang on for Klipdrifts. Love that liquid - in moderation of course - cheap as k@k but nector of the gods.

Like I said, been on the mainland or I would have replied to your post's sooner.

Wart my little flower, I enjoyed reading your write-up especially the bit where all South Africans are thought to be Black. When I told my Mother and dear Sisters (No I don't get on with them) that our Daughter was to marry a South African they went into hysterics "Your Daughters married a black man"?? I didn't say anything until the next stage of the relationship "Dear Mum, our Tina is having a baby, more hysterics. Christ sake man, this is the 21st century not Victorian England, though by all accounts they had a rare old time behind the curtains. The time finally came to produce the Family photograph of Robbie, Tina and Benjamin. Furrowed brows, but you told us Tina's husband was Black they said, no I didn't I said, you did.

I see that you have a good mixture of Irish, Scottish and English blood in your veins and an ancestry that I am certain you are proud of. You said of me, what is my true origin. Several years ago I did what I should have done much, much sooner. I Opened a Genealogy file on my Fathers Family of whom I knew practically nothing (Nuff said). I must say here that I know this is a microlight forum, but do you not think that now and again we should open ourselves up as I am doing now and as Wart has done. If you disagree, then fine me boy. I will stick with the Microlight Flying, so I shall.

My Irish ancestry is an amazing story and one that I am proud of. One day I will record the story for Benjamin to read so that he can pass on his Irish ancestry to his Son's and Daughters. My origin is English/Irish, my heart and soul is Irish. I visited Southern Ireland, County Cork last May 2007 and it was like coming home. A really strange feeling but one that felt comforting. Our Benjamin also has his Grandma's blood in his veins and Grandma's Grandma was Welsh as was her Ma and those before her and she had the second sight and I tell you now, my softness has it too. Thanks for the post Wart and the comments. Trust you enjoyed punching holes in the African Sky.

GR8-DAD: You did it didn't you. You damn well brought tears to my eyes - Thank you for the comment

Leftseat: I'm shot away young man. La La La La La La La and sometimes it gets me into trouble, when I cross the line, tell me ja

JetRanger: You are another for whom I have utmost respect and I do not care if I have paid some despots GDP, the calls were worth every penny to me, neh cent. Must think African. What you did for this old fart yesterday was truly amazing. You said you would do and you did whereas all I have ever known are those who say they will and don't. 61 summers I have spent on this planet and never have I come across a race of people like the South African. I should have sent our Tina to Robbie sooner. My regret to live with but - Irish - Oy be telling you now mister, whatever time oy have lost, oy will be making it up and so I shall Thanks Len

Grumpy: (I'm sure you are not). Your diets terrible. Is that why you look like what you do in the chair? Add a Klipdrift & Cola and your on my son

Morph: Have I crossed the line of protocol here? I know the South African is a respectful person. It was the very first thing that drew me to you and I would never disrespect that respect so if I have Tell you what. Just to make it up too you, let me take your Challenger off your hands my friend because I need it, so I do. Cash money so it is, still damp from the washing line

And Finally for this episode:

GR8-DAD: I know what the van die means and hollanders possibly by elimination. But what does the rest mean? Come on guy's. Help me speak the language if only a little bit and no slipping in sneaky swear words okay Anyone got a phrase book??

Long day today guys, so I am going to say lecker shlarp ( I know, the spelling is k@k)

Alles Van die beste

Whatever you wanna call me is fine by me as long as it suits you - OK?

[grostek]

Hi Uncle Spud Murphy,

Try this translator and see how you get on.

http://www.majstro.com/Web/Majstro/taleninfo/afr_en.php

Your appearance on this forum has been like a fresh sea breeze and it is always interesting to get a different slant on how others see South Africans.

Look frward to meeting you in the future.

Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek

[Uncle Spud Murphy]

My Dear Gunter,

Dankie so much for the info. Logged on to the site you suggested and found 'Before you know it'. Gives examples of words, meaning and pronunciation. Going to have some fun with this

Being realistic. I doubt that I would ever be competent in Afrikaans, but at least I will be able to show my appreciations to others in the language of my Grandson. Who knows!! Benjamin Terblanche?Murphy may be be teaching me himself soon

Thanks again Gunter and our respects to you and your Family

Alles van die beste

PS: Have to budget now to pay for all the drinks I owe you Guy's and then there's fuel for the ml to get to each place. The training fee's, the licence, the Radio fees, medical cost's, repairs, maintenance, upkeep, hanger fees, eish Tell you what guy's how about coming to our house warming party in Phalaborwa (Hot). I can make the party last for a year so that you can all get here. Now that's what I call making a plan yaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrr

[andreb]

Uncle Spud, you sound like a grand chap. Hopefully we can at least have one beer before I disappear to Oz at the end of the year!

[Uncle Spud Murphy]

Thank you very much Andreb, appreciate what you say and I would be honoured to share a few glasses with you

Planned to be in Phalaborwa (Hot) with Family last Christmas. The way the property market is here I may not even make this Christmas and that just #isses me off big time

Say!! What an idea Don't go to oz my friend. Come to the Isle of Wight in England. You can buy my house then yuk yuk yuk

Seriously now. I hope to share that glass with you and may I presume that one day you return to SA

Alles van die beste. Respects to your Family and may yours and their future be bright

[andreb]

Thanks mate. Looking forward to it.
Let us know when you land here.

[Uncle Spud Murphy]

Daniel Murphy Resized.jpg

Just practising guys to see if I can do it Okay?

Avdb