Sunset on my 40s

When I came to Malawi I was hoping/planning that my 50^th birthday would just be another day in the calendar, no big fuss, no public announcements of this mammoth event in my life. My colleagues here in Malawi had other ideas and especially those who had already passed the milestone. There was also collusion between colleagues here and friends at home (thank you Audrey and Linda!) to make sure the day did not pass by quietly!

We went away to Lake Malawi for a long weekend – Friday 10^th through to Monday 13^th. For the first two nights we stayed at  Madzi Kumala which means light water (or something very similar). As you can see, it is a beautiful house. It was an ideal spot to say goodbye to my 40s. Or, as I prefer to say, to see the sunset on my 40s.

Pictures of me at 50 to follow another day!

I'm back!

I seem to start each post with an apology for being so behind with the blog. Today will be no different! The months are zooming by and yesterday it was a year since I went for the interview for this job. How time flies. In September I will be half way through my contract and wondering what to do next.

All sorts of things have happened since I last wrote

1. I’ve reached the half century mark. Thank you for all cards, emails and pressies. I had a very relaxing time celebrating this milestone. More news will follow. Wonder who will be on the throne when I receive my telegram from Buckingham Palace in fifty years’ time? Will there still be telegrams?
2. A new farmers’ market has opened in Lilongwe and is held on the last Saturday of the month. Lots of interesting food, crafts and even a lady doing reflexology! Everything is made in Malawi by Malawians. Some goodies are made by small village groups and sold through this cooperative.
   
   http://www.ovop.org.mw/
   
   OVOP has a shop in Lilongwe so guess where I’ll be buying some of my Christmas pressies?
   
3. The first batch of vegetables from the garden have been enjoyed. With all this sunshine, carrots, lettuce, beans and peas seem grow all by themselves with just a bit of watering.
   
4. Winter has arrived and although the temperature is still good during the day, it can be very chilly at night. I now have a duvet and a blanket on my bed, wear socks all day, and am back in cardigans/jackets in the office.
   
5. The biggest news of all is that Mum and Dad have been over for their first trip to Africa and what an adventure it was!

Hopefully, I;ve now restored all  the photos in earlier and more will follow very soon.