Six weeks on and still no funding for the students. Unfortunately every week we are told it will be next week so it is difficult to make travel plans. We only find out at the end of the week that we will not be required the next week. We have been informed that the college will open on 2nd March but we have had so many promises I really don't know what will happen. I'll just have to put it all down to training for retirement. I have never had so much time off work, I could get used to it.
I returned from the lake after the building I was in was hit by lightening. I thought I might be dreaming when I saw a fork of lightening, accompanied by the most amazing cracking noise, in my bedroom. The next morning I found out that lightening had blown a hole in the back wall, windows had smashed and all the electrics were blown. The noise of some of the storms this week has been frightening. I lie in bed listening to the crashing thunder, which makes the house shake, and the sound of the rain. Even when there is no thunder the rain is so loud it awakens you and stops you from sleeping. Some of it is exciting but sometimes its scary.
I had another visit to Lake Chilwa to see the flamingos, which were hiding, last week. It had been so wet we had to wade through the mud, sometimes up to our knees, for 20 minutes to get to the lake. I was unsure if the smell was animal shit or human shit but I was assured it was both. My feet are nearly raw with scrubbing them. As always the tranquility of the lake made the exercise worthwhile.
Although we have not had any students and we are unsure of future funding we have been interviewing for this year's intake of students which is always entertaining, so I'm not really idle all of the time. I have also been negotiating with VSO to get a finishing date. It looks like I have another 12 weeks here so countdown is about to begin.
The Internet project that I have been involved in and funded has grown from strength to strength. Last year it became clear that to get the most effective Internet access we would have to work with other organisations and find a wealthy funder. We have now achieved both and hope to have a satellite system within the next few months. We will share it with the hospital, the secondary school, the ecumenical college and the diocese offices. Not bad from small beginnings and a project leader that it pretty retarded when it comes to computers and the Internet(that's me).
The garden is looking great just now with all the rain and sun. Unfortunately some of my smaller plants have been washed away. The mango season is over but the papayas are nearly ripe. I have plenty of eggs despite the chickens having another dose of the pox. Harry is happy and spends most nights hunting and sleeps during the day.
So another 84 sleeps until my release, counting down and looking forward to coming home.
3 comments:
Gosh, what a strange set-up out there. Hope things go ahead for the 2nd, but the trip to the Flamingoes sounded great - although not sure about the wading! We open Friday 13th (oops) and not very organised so far, but its amazing how we all leap into action when the deadline gets closer. Also organising Mum's 90th Birthday Party for 22nd - she wanted something small but ended up inviting over 90! Having a lunch at the Norton, so should be fun. Catching up with Katie, Fiona, Angela soon - I hear you have a NY trip planned - I'll speak to them about something. Hope things work out for the 2nd, Jeanxxx
Hi Carol, 79 sleeps now. What a shame the college is still not open, hopefully the 2nd march will see you gainfully employed. I am arranging my sister 50th birthday lunch and also my Dad's 80th birthday trip. We are taking him to the Motorbike Museum in Birmingham!!!!Mum and I will find some shops I think leave the boys in the museum. back at work and it is no better than when I left it.....wish I could not bother with it at all....need to get Betty to do the pension prediction for me. You must have been frightened with all the lightening, sounds awful poor you. Walking through all the shit is good for athletes foot (so I have been told) you have met so many challenges face on what an experience you have had out there. I cannot believe it is nearly 2 years, but I will be glad to see you back in Room 101 as will Cardiac Anne. Trots has a new job as a civil servant!!!! It is freezing here again, John has been out with the dogs and is complaining. Take care and fingers crossed for the 2nd, see you soon. Love Rhona x
Hi Carol
That is such a shame about the college, good job you have your hens and plants to keep you busy! you must feel a great sense of achievement with the internet system you have set up - well done! it must be so nice to know you have made a difference.
thank you for your lovely card - I will reply to you by mail. We are all struggling to cope with our loss but managing to have more good days than bad days now
George was 50 on 7/3 - he ran the Fife coastal path to mark the occasion! - Thursday 5/3 North Queensferry to Lower Largo (31 miles) then Lower Largo Largo to St Andrews (stopping at Anstruther for salty chips!)(32 miles) then saturday he got the bus to St andrews and I picked him up at Tayport just before the bridge (18 miles) he managed it, though needed a couple of leg rubs in between - I gave him a medal engraved on the back ( you mad man) no I had it engraved with date, name etc., We had a wee family part on the Saturday - he didn't want a party because of Philip, but I managed to persuade him. I am back on scottish slimmers weight loss programme (as is Rhona) and I should be fading away to a shadow soon ( no chance!) My good aunt and uncle are giving us their house a t Aviemore this weekend so really looking forward to the break (although the forecast is for heavy rain!) we will just have to put the log fire on and 'chill' with a glass or two of vino and cheese and biscuits (there goes the scottish slimmers plan!)
Great that you are on the countdown to coming home, but would make time go quicker if you are busy at the college!
Take care Carol
Luv Elaine x
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