Over the Half Way Mark

I can't believe I've been here over a year. I'll soon be on count down to home but I've lots to pack in before that.

I've been living quite quietly for the last few weeks. 2 friends from the north came to visit for a few days and we had a few meals with other VSOs and I had another trip to Lilongwe. The most exciting thing was getting caught speeding. The police were using a camcorder, the same as mine, and some other machine that allocated random numbers to passing cars. I was pulled over and told that I was doing some excessive miles per hour. I probably was speeding but not doing the mileage they claimed so I felt that complete denial was the best policy. Unfortunately it didn't work and they told me I was being charged then they told me I had been charged. I missed the getting charged bit and I was told that I had to go to court the next day. After asking a few people what I should do I decided to ignore the whole thing. Apparently I missed out the bit I should have done, that is bribe the police officer. They have not come looking for me yet and hopefully they won't.

I'm still busy in the college. It closes in 2 weeks for the holidays. I'll be off for a month then I'll be doing 3 months in the mental hospital, my favorite place. It is almost mid winter here with temperatures in the low 20s during the day but cooler in the evenings and cold overnight. I need to use blankets on my bed and sometimes have to wear a light fleece in the morning. Its a bit like a good summer at home. The garden continues to produce lots of fruit and veg. Most of it goes to local people. I'm trying to find a mate for my remaining cockerel which is harder than it sounds. Harry looks like a pack horse with her extended abdomen. Her head looks too small for her body. I think she will deliver soon, its over 8 weeks since I caught her at it in the garden with Debbie's cat so anytime now.

We are going to try to book our trip to Zanzibar tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to all the seafood, the spice trail, seeing round Stonetown and swimming in the ocean. Its only 2 weeks until we go and before that I have my trip to Mumbo Island where I want to do a lot of snorkelling, swimming and chilling out. After that its the boy's trip and back to Zambia. I'll need another holiday after that!

Everyone at home will be getting ready for their holidays, I hope everyone has a great time. Its great hearing from people at home all the comment, letters and cards are really appreciated and help to keep me sane, well almost. Keep well and keep the comments coming.