Huh? Did someone say something?

i can't hear!?! ok, i can partially hear, but i went swimming in the lake yesterday, and now my left ear is completely clogged. and on top of driving myself crazy, i think my roomie is going nuts having to yell to get my attention. not the first time someone has had to yell to get my attention, but the first time i can attribute this to loss of hearing. i've got some icky smelling drops in my ear now. if that doesn't work, then its back to the doctor for me!

malawi continues to be wonderful, in a very busy, exhausting kind of way. i enjoyed my time on the road with two great women (Nellie and Kundai) who continue to become better and better friends. overall, our site visits went very well, and the first days of sample collection are off to a successful start.

now, back in LLW, i am trying to catch up with the work that didn't stop while i was away and with people who have been as on the go (if not more than) as me. on top of the work (that i am sure you are tired of me whining about), i've been enjoying other comings and goings - we hosted a ladies cocktail hour on friday. so nice and relaxing, about 15 women from all different types of work and family situations, sitting around chatting about anything and everything. saturday i did nothing, absolutely 100% nothing, until 7pm, when i went to b-day party. yesterday was the lake, just for a few hours, but much needed. i realize that i need a vacation, but actually taking two weekend days all to myself has helped.

and i continue to enjoy the garden, which per my mom's request, i have photos included here.

and in case you have tried to call me lately, well the phone lines (for one company that carries most of the plans) are out in Malawi, for the foreseeable future. probably for the best, since i cannot hear anything.