Happy Birthday to Clem and Jen

Due to problems with the office network and internet connection, I worked from home today.  It's not ideal to be away from the office, but as my big project is finishing this week, I can't afford to be out of email communication with the project team, some of whom are in the UK.  So until it's sorted, I'll have to sit it out in the house.  On the upside, I managed to get loads of work done today, and made good progress, including getting another consultancy proposal out.

Towards the end of the day, Arthur came out to the house to pick me up as I had to get some kwacha, because I was rapidly running out. Nataša, Nishi and I then popped up to the supermarket to reprovision the house with water, and for Nataša to pick up something from the pharmacy to help with her developing flu symptoms.  I have a great deal of sympathy with her because I'm feeling a little under the weather as well (sigh).

But there was no time for self-pity, because at 5.30pm I went round to Clem and Jen's house for a sun-downer get-together to celebrate their birthdays. They'd prepared various nibbles and dips, and there was plenty to drink as well.  They've got two dogs that were so well behaved - didn't even try to take a sniff of the food, and just wandered around looking for people to stroke them.

A good crowd turned up and we chatted outside (while the wind started to get up).  A number of people there had gone to Mulanje last weekend and walked up, staying overnight in a hut at the top.  Apparently a fine time was had by all, except for the porter who got to carry Kevin's bag (the one with all the booze in it).

Doogles

Eventually we moved on to Doogles for another beer, and then homewards.

Good news too that Kevin invited me to his party on Saturday night, so that's the weekend sorted!

Farewell, Rick

I (uneventfully) drove in to work again this morning, but this time there were just three of us because Rick returned to the UK today.  One of the first out here on the project, he has done an amazing job setting up the extensive templates, processes and training programmes from which those of us arriving from now on are reaping the benefits.

The office internet is still down (and was all day) and so it was a question of pressing on with things as best we can, but with no email and reduced research opportunity.  However, I did my first diagnostics with two small businesses - one a restaurant and the other a leisure venue.  We'll now be putting together proposals based on the information we obtained from our meetings with the principals, and wait to see what their responses will be.  I'm hopeful that at least one will decide to invest in a consultancy assignment - fingers crossed.

Then it was back to the house to watch a bit of soccer and to have dinner.  Tonight Abraham produced a very pleasant beef stew with green beans and cabbage.

The wind has got up this evening, and the temperature has dropped significantly, although it was a very pleasant day weather-wise earlier on.