It’s a damp, misty and cold morning here in Nakuru.
Well the stories from this week….
I think I reported that Fatso had made the great escape and was no where to be found, I printed posters and enquired via the neighbours but to no avail. Kim spent the week being pampered, spending time indoors in the evening until she was up for guard duty. On Sunday Henry went off to church on his bike and wasn’t due back until about 7pm, he appeared at 2pm with a lot of noise, he had found Kim in Free Area with a man who claimed to be her owner. Apparently a fight ensued and Henry won, Fatso didn’t look too happy after her adventure and Kim didn’t seem to be too happy that Fatso was back, her days of being spoilt were soon to come to an end, one dog in the house is OK two crazy ones impossible.
After our successful attempt at cooking bread in our Bush Oven we decided we wanted to go whole hog and cook a roast dinner. We invited Joe a friend who had done some electrical work for me on the house and were looking forward to a great feast. Not quite that easy…… I had the job of lighting the fire under the oven and taking charge outside……. regulating heat etc… Edwina was in the kitchen preparing the dinner for cooking. We had roast chicken, Mediterranean vegetables and had planned on roast potatoes (the ended up as creamed pots as they over boiled!).
So far so good, except I was a bit concerned with the colour of the sky, a decided grey/black colour was developing……. I hurriedly grabbed a long length of black plastic (Henry had used to cover the seed bed to hasten germination of the seeds), this together with the tall ladder and some clothes pegs. Now my plan was to use the washing line and the ladder to suspend the black plastic over the oven in order to ward off the rain. I was very pleased with the result as no sooner had I secured the cover that the heavens opened, I still managed to man the fire and cook the dinner until the plastic decided it had taken on too much water and sagged badly, this resulted in the ladder toppling towards the oven… I grabbed a long length of wood and quickly thrust upwards dislodging the large amount of water, unfortunately it headed my way and I was soaked from head to toe, the fire on the other had was still roaring away.
The area where I was standing and the oven was positioned was a lake and in order for me to go inside I had to wade ankle deep in water to the house. I had to peel off my soaking clothes and change before I could eat my dinner as I was so, so cold and very, very wet, maybe next time I just forget the clothes and become Kenya's first NAKED CHEF!
Dinner was a great success although minus roast pots and Joe who unfortunately, or fortunately couldn’t make it as he came down with malaria and was confined to bed (he went to great lengths to avoid our cooking!) its Ok though Henry had his share.
Earlier on Friday, Faisal, a friend of mine told me he was going to Nairobi and returning the same day, I asked him to pick up some rhubarb en route at the roadside fruit stalls, (for some reason it is unavailable in Nakuru but abundant in Nairobi). My first difficulty was explaining what rhubarb was to someone who had never seen it, that accomplished he promised to get me some. 11pm Friday night I got a phone call to go to my gate, he appeared from the boot of his car with 4 big bunches of rhubarb, my description worked!
On Saturday I prepared and stewed the rhubarb ready for freezing and the long awaited CRUMBLE! Edwina and I went to Scann prepared to cut hair and Edwina to work on dance routine. Our plans were scuppered as we arrived the boys were called into a prayer assembly for Yasmin Gilani (one of the Trustees who was due to go into hospital for an operation that day). We went in with them and the boys planned and took the assembly themselves, it was lovely, such a lot of singing. I watched the boy’s faces and wandered how come in England there isn’t the heart and soul belief that I was seeing here, they put so much into the prayers and singing that I ended up excusing myself as I was overcome with emotion. The day was not to be a constructive one for Edwina and myself, the boys were concerned for Yasmin and the day was put aside for thoughts of her.
Edwina and I left (I was still feeling drained from being so emotional) we got Nick to pick us up as I needed to stop off for shopping at Highway supermarket. We got home and had soup for dinner made with veg and the carcass of the chicken, it was comfort food, I was actually not feeling too good and decided that hadn’t helped the emotions. I headed to bed early as it was cold and damp.
Sunday, um didn’t see much of Sunday, I got up to the alarm to switch off the security lights at 5.30am as usual. Then at 7am got up to feed chickens and Kim, then went back to bed, slept on and off then on for the majority of the day as I just couldn’t stay awake. Edwina cooked chocolate brownies and crumble, I got up to make the fire for the oven and then went back to bed. At 2pm when Henry appeared with Fatso I forced myself out of bed, had some crumble and sat and watched two James Bond movies with Edwina.
The heavens opened last evening and I really didn’t think they would close again, you could almost feel the drops hitting the ground. It was a good day to spend in bed, a duvet day, (although don’t have a duvet) I don’t regret wasting it as I was still not feeling 100% I know that if I had tried to do anything I would have failed miserable and frustrated.
Today is another day, as I have said at the start it is very misty and damp, bright but not sunny, the sky is that white after rain colour. I looked out the window this morning and thought, this could be any day back in the UK, its UK weather. I am now off to get dressed as at the moment sitting on my bed typing this, Edwina has gone in early to meet up with a friend, I am heading to town to meet up with her and go to the post office and internet before I head to SCANN.
Wishing you all a good start to your week, mine can only get better.
I am attaching the recipe for the bread we made and hopefully some photos too.
Love to you all,
Susannah
BREAD RECIPE!!
Ingredients
Part 1
½ cup of margarine
1 tsp salt
1 small potato
¾ cup of potato water (with the small potato mashed in it)
1/3 cup of sugar
2 eggs
Part 2
½ cup lukewarm water
1 tsp sugar
2 heaped tsp yeast
Part 3
4&½ cups of strong white flour
Method
Part 1
Boil a small potato. Mash it together with the water it was boiled in (¾ cup). Warm this water and pour of margarine, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 well beaten eggs.
Part 2
Mix lukewarm water, sugar and yeast, leave to soak for 10 minutes
Part 3
Mix parts 1 and 2. Add flour and knead well for about 5 minutes (at least 200 times!)
Leave to rise for about an hour and a half or until it has doubled in size.
Knead again and place into bread tins or make into rolls.
Pre heat oven to 180 C
When dough has risen put in the oven. Buns take about 10 minutes, loaves about 25.
When cooked brush with melted butter and put back in for a couple of minutes.
You can substitute milk for potato water. Eggs can be left out if making loaves.
Monday, 27 April 2009
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Bush Oven Heaven
Well, what can I say
.... the bush oven whilst a rough home-made affair is a big big hit. We have had three batches of fabulous bread that is just Divine. We have even managed to cook pizza, although that was done through a rain storm so I got very wet bearing in mind the bush oven is outside!! We made sure that the pizza was dry when it came out as we covered it with an umbrella. Our next endeavour is to bake chocolate brownies, I don't think they will sit around too long.
The chicks are growing well and being a handful, they are eating me out of maize mash very quickly, so we are giving them scraps from the kitchen. Bad news, Fatso the dog went for an unscheduled walk yesterday and hasn't come home no idea where she is.
The boys with help from Edwina are working on a show to display their new found skills of poi and dancing, should be good but no time scale as to when it will be shown yet. I have been suffering for about a week now with a bad sore throat which won't leave me, but am putting it down to the cold weather at night, the days are still hot and then the downpours arrive in the afternoons and night time. I hope you are all well and managing during the hard economic times at home.
Love to you all,
Susannah
.... the bush oven whilst a rough home-made affair is a big big hit. We have had three batches of fabulous bread that is just Divine. We have even managed to cook pizza, although that was done through a rain storm so I got very wet bearing in mind the bush oven is outside!! We made sure that the pizza was dry when it came out as we covered it with an umbrella. Our next endeavour is to bake chocolate brownies, I don't think they will sit around too long.
The chicks are growing well and being a handful, they are eating me out of maize mash very quickly, so we are giving them scraps from the kitchen. Bad news, Fatso the dog went for an unscheduled walk yesterday and hasn't come home no idea where she is.
The boys with help from Edwina are working on a show to display their new found skills of poi and dancing, should be good but no time scale as to when it will be shown yet. I have been suffering for about a week now with a bad sore throat which won't leave me, but am putting it down to the cold weather at night, the days are still hot and then the downpours arrive in the afternoons and night time. I hope you are all well and managing during the hard economic times at home.
Love to you all,
Susannah
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Easter Bunnies not...... chicks definitely
I hope Easter was a time for relaxing and lots of enjoyment.
I am pleased to announce I am the proud owner of 7 fluffy yellow chicks hatched on Easter Sunday,......ah.... The boys at SCANN are so pleased they all want to see them although I have explained that this is a bit of a hard job, they have to make do with pictures. They have acquired another kitten though which had a bit of a funny five minutes the other day.
Edwina is helping the boys to do a new dance routine and we put up numerous full length mirrors that had been donated and never used. The boys thought this was great as they could now practise and see their mistakes. Someone came in carrying the kitten and popped it down in front of the mirrors. It hissed and spat and arched its back and went all spikey, it stood there for ages just trying to out stare the 'other' kitten. The boys were in tears of laughter and found this so funny, it took someone to pick up the kitten for it to break its stare.
The boys are enjoying their time off school although they are still studying hard at SCANN to make sure they get good grades. The weather is cooler now and the rains are here so they will be visiting me a lot for meds in the clinic... something to look forward to ... colds and malaria... nice, we have just stocked up on meds so shouldn't be a problem. I am back sewing little by little hoping they don't notice and suddenly I get a truck load. I am working on getting a sewing machine from a friend in Kenya, he doesn't know it yet!!
Henry has been busy planting the shamba we have maize suddenly breaking the surface and racing to the sky, followed closely behind by beans. The kale and spinach is slowly growing and we are planning on planting potatoes in the next week. We had such a heavy down pour whilst I was in town yesterday that the wind had ensured the rain had poured in my open window and over half of my bed....... nice, I was just a little damp last night and chilly. Needless to say all is out hanging to dry today in the sunshine again until later in the afternoon.
My small water leak (in comparison to my sisters) has now been fixed. I sent a text this morning to 'my man at the water office' and within an hour he and 2 men were at my gate, I hadn't even had breakfast or showered yet. They could have said they were coming! They sized up the items needed and then sent Henry for them while they went off to do someone else's job, within 1 hour they had returned so luckily had Henry with the parts. They dug (after I removed my treasured tomato plants and marigolds) sorted pipes and connections were re made, they then replaced the pipes and roughly covered the area. This was after I was asked for lunch and drinks, I said I could provide drinks but as the leak was before the meter and was to their benefit to mend it lunch was not on offer, cheeky devils! Neither Henry or I were pleased with the mess but it was well worth it as they came so quickly to do the job...... sorry Nats, I know the trouble you have had, at least I have the main man and his mobile number, in the end it may cost me more than money...... may have to cook lunch!
The bush oven is nearly finished we just need to prepare the drum with a good fire to clean any of the residue contents to lower the chances of 'tainting' the food. Edwina is suffering with a chest infection and hacking cough so we are chilling a lot (after a busy weekend out on the town Saturday night, Sunday was spent with hangover!!)
Love to you all.
Take it you are all back to work now.
Susannah xxx
I am pleased to announce I am the proud owner of 7 fluffy yellow chicks hatched on Easter Sunday,......ah.... The boys at SCANN are so pleased they all want to see them although I have explained that this is a bit of a hard job, they have to make do with pictures. They have acquired another kitten though which had a bit of a funny five minutes the other day.
Edwina is helping the boys to do a new dance routine and we put up numerous full length mirrors that had been donated and never used. The boys thought this was great as they could now practise and see their mistakes. Someone came in carrying the kitten and popped it down in front of the mirrors. It hissed and spat and arched its back and went all spikey, it stood there for ages just trying to out stare the 'other' kitten. The boys were in tears of laughter and found this so funny, it took someone to pick up the kitten for it to break its stare.
The boys are enjoying their time off school although they are still studying hard at SCANN to make sure they get good grades. The weather is cooler now and the rains are here so they will be visiting me a lot for meds in the clinic... something to look forward to ... colds and malaria... nice, we have just stocked up on meds so shouldn't be a problem. I am back sewing little by little hoping they don't notice and suddenly I get a truck load. I am working on getting a sewing machine from a friend in Kenya, he doesn't know it yet!!
Henry has been busy planting the shamba we have maize suddenly breaking the surface and racing to the sky, followed closely behind by beans. The kale and spinach is slowly growing and we are planning on planting potatoes in the next week. We had such a heavy down pour whilst I was in town yesterday that the wind had ensured the rain had poured in my open window and over half of my bed....... nice, I was just a little damp last night and chilly. Needless to say all is out hanging to dry today in the sunshine again until later in the afternoon.
My small water leak (in comparison to my sisters) has now been fixed. I sent a text this morning to 'my man at the water office' and within an hour he and 2 men were at my gate, I hadn't even had breakfast or showered yet. They could have said they were coming! They sized up the items needed and then sent Henry for them while they went off to do someone else's job, within 1 hour they had returned so luckily had Henry with the parts. They dug (after I removed my treasured tomato plants and marigolds) sorted pipes and connections were re made, they then replaced the pipes and roughly covered the area. This was after I was asked for lunch and drinks, I said I could provide drinks but as the leak was before the meter and was to their benefit to mend it lunch was not on offer, cheeky devils! Neither Henry or I were pleased with the mess but it was well worth it as they came so quickly to do the job...... sorry Nats, I know the trouble you have had, at least I have the main man and his mobile number, in the end it may cost me more than money...... may have to cook lunch!
The bush oven is nearly finished we just need to prepare the drum with a good fire to clean any of the residue contents to lower the chances of 'tainting' the food. Edwina is suffering with a chest infection and hacking cough so we are chilling a lot (after a busy weekend out on the town Saturday night, Sunday was spent with hangover!!)
Love to you all.
Take it you are all back to work now.
Susannah xxx
Monday, 30 March 2009
It rained
Hi Everyone,
get comfy, grab a cuppa, its a long one................. as you can appreciate with my sister over here we have been busy cramming and catching up on news. It has been so so hot here and so dusty, Nathalie had a lot of trouble with allergies due to the dust she was plagued with sinus problems and nose bleeds. Needless to say the rains are well and truly over due.
We managed a quick visit to Mama Sweeties to take pics of the new building ready for taking in orphans in Kampi ya Moto, after the 'skirmishes' so many children's suffered loss of their parents and there is no facilities in the rural area that she lives in, so in true Mama Sweetie style she is providing her own orphanage with the help from group in the UK sponsoring the building. I thought that Nakuru was the dust bowl until I went to see Kampi ya Moto, there is no fruit or veg in the usually well stocked village stalls, most of which were closed. There has been no mains water on her plot for a month. Mama Sweetie drives her pickup to the local bore hole and collects water for her and her neighbours and that's it. I thought I had water issues.
Nathalie and I didn't do much not only because we just wanted to enjoy each others company but also because anything here at the moment is an effort the dust gets into your pores the heat wears you down. We did have a couple of visits to SCANN to see the boys which was nice and Nathalie presented James Mwangi with a new set of clothes which he refused to take off.
Before Nathalie left we headed to Naivasha for a couple of days, I booked by phone a banda (wooden chalet) to stay in for two nights at Fishermans Camp by the lake, a bit of luxury and chilling. When we arrived the guy said no one had written the booking in the book and all the bandas were gone. I was not happy and neither was Nathalie, as a gesture he offered us 'The Cottage' at the same price, turned out to be a bonus, we had our own building with garden and bathroom WITH BATH!!!!!! Guess what the first thing we did........ you guessed....... washed off all the Nakuru dust and soaked in the bath. We then wandered off to the open clubhouse where we ordered dinner and played scrabble by the large open fire, it was bliss other than the fact that Nathalie beat me hands down every game.
We slept well that night, possible the alcohol helped. The next day we went for breakfast and ordered a packed lunch for our trip to Hells Gate, by the time we were ready to collect the packed lunch we decided it would be easier to eat it than take it in our bags on the bikes, by this time it was early afternoon before we set off. Yes I said bikes, (I negotiated a better rate as we were only getting half day use of bikes instead of full day). We cycled to the gorge, which in itself was not a problem other than the dusty road proved to make the going very hard work. We were rewarded after all the panting and puffing with close ups of giraffes, zebras, warthogs, gazelles and Buffalo's (the Buffalo's we could have done without but they were lying in the shade of the trees chilling).
We had been told not to leave it too late getting back to the bike man as the animals start moving around when the air cools in the late afternoon and the Buffalo's would be a problem to us on bikes!!!!! WARNING NOTED! The gorge at the end of the bike ride was a great success with Nathalie, she loved it as I thought she would. By the time we got back to the ranger station the afternoon sun was definitely on its way down and the heat of the day was gone, the warning tones were now repeating in our minds and we mentioned to the rangers how long it had taken us to ride to their station and we had to do the return trip. They were not comfortable with the idea of us cycling back and negotiated a ride with a party of Government Officials who were on a day visit from Nairobi.
We lugged the bikes on to the roof of the bus and off we went to collect the party of people. We were then hijacked (pleasantly so) as they then decided to go to the highest point of Hells Gate for a view point called Lake View, well we didn't refuse as I had never been there and it would be impossible to get to on bikes anyway. It was a lovely view across the hills and over the lakes with the evening sky, as another bonus we were given picnic boxes for our tea, they had too many, so picnic it was.
We were dropped off at the bike place, who was eagerly awaiting our return worried we had met the Buffalo's. The guy then arranged for us to get a lift back to Fisherman's Camp to save us walking. What a lovely day and what lovely people. We didn't have dinner that night but another bath was had to ease our tired and dusty bodies. We went to the clubhouse and had a pleasant evening playing cards, this time I think it was even winnings. We had asked the guards to wake us up for the hippos but as we heard nothing guessed that it was a quiet night at Fisherman's Camp and they didn't appear. Oh well, I think Nathalie had a good time any way!
We left there and headed to Nairobi and the airport for Nathalie's flight which was early hours of Saturday morning so a night in a hotel was a must. I headed back to Nakuru and had a nap, it was such a hot hot day and still no rain. On Sunday I awoke with determination to get my washing done and decided to wash all the curtains to get rid of the dust. Catherine had washed the floors and cleaned while I was washing and we sat with relief of a job well done, low and behold the heavens opened and we had the first good rains.
The soil smelt rich and damp and I busied myself with putting out containers to collect the water for further use for the plants. I can't tell you how it felt watching the heavy drops hitting the dust then soaking the parched and dead earth. I ran around with a huge smile on my face, bearing in mind by now I was totally soaked, so much for just having a hot shower! Catherine and I spent the rest of the afternoon pleased with the work we had done and watching DVDs that Kimberley had sent over for me, I forgot how great Jumping Jack Flash was............
I am now sitting in Nairobi as my Missionary visa paperwork went missing at immigration and I am back here waiting to re apply, slight problem that my tourist visa that I renewed will expire before it comes through, may have to do a quick border hop in the next month to rectify it.
Never a dull moment here.
Love to you all, hope you are all well, life continues........
Susannah
get comfy, grab a cuppa, its a long one................. as you can appreciate with my sister over here we have been busy cramming and catching up on news. It has been so so hot here and so dusty, Nathalie had a lot of trouble with allergies due to the dust she was plagued with sinus problems and nose bleeds. Needless to say the rains are well and truly over due.
We managed a quick visit to Mama Sweeties to take pics of the new building ready for taking in orphans in Kampi ya Moto, after the 'skirmishes' so many children's suffered loss of their parents and there is no facilities in the rural area that she lives in, so in true Mama Sweetie style she is providing her own orphanage with the help from group in the UK sponsoring the building. I thought that Nakuru was the dust bowl until I went to see Kampi ya Moto, there is no fruit or veg in the usually well stocked village stalls, most of which were closed. There has been no mains water on her plot for a month. Mama Sweetie drives her pickup to the local bore hole and collects water for her and her neighbours and that's it. I thought I had water issues.
Nathalie and I didn't do much not only because we just wanted to enjoy each others company but also because anything here at the moment is an effort the dust gets into your pores the heat wears you down. We did have a couple of visits to SCANN to see the boys which was nice and Nathalie presented James Mwangi with a new set of clothes which he refused to take off.
Before Nathalie left we headed to Naivasha for a couple of days, I booked by phone a banda (wooden chalet) to stay in for two nights at Fishermans Camp by the lake, a bit of luxury and chilling. When we arrived the guy said no one had written the booking in the book and all the bandas were gone. I was not happy and neither was Nathalie, as a gesture he offered us 'The Cottage' at the same price, turned out to be a bonus, we had our own building with garden and bathroom WITH BATH!!!!!! Guess what the first thing we did........ you guessed....... washed off all the Nakuru dust and soaked in the bath. We then wandered off to the open clubhouse where we ordered dinner and played scrabble by the large open fire, it was bliss other than the fact that Nathalie beat me hands down every game.
We slept well that night, possible the alcohol helped. The next day we went for breakfast and ordered a packed lunch for our trip to Hells Gate, by the time we were ready to collect the packed lunch we decided it would be easier to eat it than take it in our bags on the bikes, by this time it was early afternoon before we set off. Yes I said bikes, (I negotiated a better rate as we were only getting half day use of bikes instead of full day). We cycled to the gorge, which in itself was not a problem other than the dusty road proved to make the going very hard work. We were rewarded after all the panting and puffing with close ups of giraffes, zebras, warthogs, gazelles and Buffalo's (the Buffalo's we could have done without but they were lying in the shade of the trees chilling).
We had been told not to leave it too late getting back to the bike man as the animals start moving around when the air cools in the late afternoon and the Buffalo's would be a problem to us on bikes!!!!! WARNING NOTED! The gorge at the end of the bike ride was a great success with Nathalie, she loved it as I thought she would. By the time we got back to the ranger station the afternoon sun was definitely on its way down and the heat of the day was gone, the warning tones were now repeating in our minds and we mentioned to the rangers how long it had taken us to ride to their station and we had to do the return trip. They were not comfortable with the idea of us cycling back and negotiated a ride with a party of Government Officials who were on a day visit from Nairobi.
We lugged the bikes on to the roof of the bus and off we went to collect the party of people. We were then hijacked (pleasantly so) as they then decided to go to the highest point of Hells Gate for a view point called Lake View, well we didn't refuse as I had never been there and it would be impossible to get to on bikes anyway. It was a lovely view across the hills and over the lakes with the evening sky, as another bonus we were given picnic boxes for our tea, they had too many, so picnic it was.
We were dropped off at the bike place, who was eagerly awaiting our return worried we had met the Buffalo's. The guy then arranged for us to get a lift back to Fisherman's Camp to save us walking. What a lovely day and what lovely people. We didn't have dinner that night but another bath was had to ease our tired and dusty bodies. We went to the clubhouse and had a pleasant evening playing cards, this time I think it was even winnings. We had asked the guards to wake us up for the hippos but as we heard nothing guessed that it was a quiet night at Fisherman's Camp and they didn't appear. Oh well, I think Nathalie had a good time any way!
We left there and headed to Nairobi and the airport for Nathalie's flight which was early hours of Saturday morning so a night in a hotel was a must. I headed back to Nakuru and had a nap, it was such a hot hot day and still no rain. On Sunday I awoke with determination to get my washing done and decided to wash all the curtains to get rid of the dust. Catherine had washed the floors and cleaned while I was washing and we sat with relief of a job well done, low and behold the heavens opened and we had the first good rains.
The soil smelt rich and damp and I busied myself with putting out containers to collect the water for further use for the plants. I can't tell you how it felt watching the heavy drops hitting the dust then soaking the parched and dead earth. I ran around with a huge smile on my face, bearing in mind by now I was totally soaked, so much for just having a hot shower! Catherine and I spent the rest of the afternoon pleased with the work we had done and watching DVDs that Kimberley had sent over for me, I forgot how great Jumping Jack Flash was............
I am now sitting in Nairobi as my Missionary visa paperwork went missing at immigration and I am back here waiting to re apply, slight problem that my tourist visa that I renewed will expire before it comes through, may have to do a quick border hop in the next month to rectify it.
Never a dull moment here.
Love to you all, hope you are all well, life continues........
Susannah
Friday, 20 March 2009
The Bird has Landed
Hi Everyone,
well as you can imagine from the heading my sister has arrived safely and this time stress free as she got her visa before she left, last time they gave her a bit of a hard time and she was the last person through the gate and very stressed!
You thought I was going the say something about my chickens didn't you......... well on that subject, the hen that I threatened to go in the pot has since laid 7 eggs all waiting for her to sit on, in her own good time I think. The other chicks are developing nice feathers and making a lot of noise. The cock is crowing at all hours, think I will buy him a clock so he can check the time!
I had the vet out last week in preparation for my sister coming and other visitors arriving and had the dogs given their vaccinations including the rabies one. The vet checked Fatso and confirmed that she was aborting the puppies which were no long viable due to the contraceptive injection that I had given her at the end of November. He said he felt that she also had a uterine infection which needed to respond to treatment or she would need to be spayed to clear the problem. Nice!
To welcome Nathalie at SCANN there was a big celebration today, (actually a big sponsor from Canada arrived and you would have thought the Queen was coming!). Everything was cleaned and polished including the boys, performances were put in place and a long day was had by all. The dining hall where the event was held was so so so hot we were all pleased when the event came to an end although it was good to see the performance. Nathalie and I were at SCANN yesterday to help with the preparations for today and she met up with James Mwangi the boy she and her family sponsor. James was so happy that Nathalie had come to see him, also that she had given him some new clothes, he refused to take them off and walked round in them all afternoon, he must have been dying in the T-shirt and thick sweatshirt but would he take it off........ no way, knowing little ones he probably slept in them to make sure they didn't walk off.
The rains still haven't arrived but I think with Nathalie's visit it would be a pity to spend all the visit in wellies and waterproofs. It is so hot and dry it is taking a while for Nathalie to get accustomed to the heat having come from chilly UK as many of you know. Tomorrow we are heading for a day of relaxation beside the pool at Hotel Merica, books in hand and promise of a nice lunch and swim if we want one....... BET IT WILL RAIN!!!!! You know me that wont stop me, bikini clad under an umbrella if I have to.
Anyway this is just a quickie to let you know that we are fine and busy bees! Kimberley arrived safely in USA visiting her dad.
Love and hugs to you all.
Susannah xxxxxxx
well as you can imagine from the heading my sister has arrived safely and this time stress free as she got her visa before she left, last time they gave her a bit of a hard time and she was the last person through the gate and very stressed!
You thought I was going the say something about my chickens didn't you......... well on that subject, the hen that I threatened to go in the pot has since laid 7 eggs all waiting for her to sit on, in her own good time I think. The other chicks are developing nice feathers and making a lot of noise. The cock is crowing at all hours, think I will buy him a clock so he can check the time!
I had the vet out last week in preparation for my sister coming and other visitors arriving and had the dogs given their vaccinations including the rabies one. The vet checked Fatso and confirmed that she was aborting the puppies which were no long viable due to the contraceptive injection that I had given her at the end of November. He said he felt that she also had a uterine infection which needed to respond to treatment or she would need to be spayed to clear the problem. Nice!
To welcome Nathalie at SCANN there was a big celebration today, (actually a big sponsor from Canada arrived and you would have thought the Queen was coming!). Everything was cleaned and polished including the boys, performances were put in place and a long day was had by all. The dining hall where the event was held was so so so hot we were all pleased when the event came to an end although it was good to see the performance. Nathalie and I were at SCANN yesterday to help with the preparations for today and she met up with James Mwangi the boy she and her family sponsor. James was so happy that Nathalie had come to see him, also that she had given him some new clothes, he refused to take them off and walked round in them all afternoon, he must have been dying in the T-shirt and thick sweatshirt but would he take it off........ no way, knowing little ones he probably slept in them to make sure they didn't walk off.
The rains still haven't arrived but I think with Nathalie's visit it would be a pity to spend all the visit in wellies and waterproofs. It is so hot and dry it is taking a while for Nathalie to get accustomed to the heat having come from chilly UK as many of you know. Tomorrow we are heading for a day of relaxation beside the pool at Hotel Merica, books in hand and promise of a nice lunch and swim if we want one....... BET IT WILL RAIN!!!!! You know me that wont stop me, bikini clad under an umbrella if I have to.
Anyway this is just a quickie to let you know that we are fine and busy bees! Kimberley arrived safely in USA visiting her dad.
Love and hugs to you all.
Susannah xxxxxxx
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
I Need some va va voooooom
Hi Everyone,
sorry it has been a while. Whilst I have got over the worst of the typhoid I am still a little lacking on the old energy front. So what’s new?????
My hen that has the chicks is doing a grand job in raising two strong chicks, they wait for me in the morning to come with their ‘chicken mash’ and whatever goodies I have found them. The cock and other hen are making such a noise because they can see but are separate from the others. I think they are aware that their food is not quite the same, mind you the hen with the chicks does such a song and dance when she eats that most of the food falls through the floor of the ‘penthouse’ to their run underneath. The second hen has been refusing to lay any eggs and I have for a week now told her that she will be heading to the cooking pot when Nathalie arrives as a celebration, I even told Henry that he would have to do the killing and plucking while I am out of the house, so it looks like a chicken from Sainsburys or Tescos! I can’t be doing with all that business!!! Yesterday I opened the door to the chicken house only to find she had laid an egg, in her case I suppose it is the ‘Golden Egg’ as it has saved her from the cooking pot, it was still warm too!
I have been busy at Scann trying to complete the contents of the lockers so that we can see what the clothing-short fall is, this is not a pleasant job, but what it has taught me is that some of the smaller boys are far tidier than the older ones. I have been trying to teach the older boys how to fold their clothes so that they are not all screwed up when they remove them from their lockers to wear. Some of them are also a little lacking in the knowledge of what washing soap is for! Hopefully when it is completed we are able to ask for what clothes we need as opposed to receiving so many that we already have and don’t need.
I am still working hard to help the doctor to administer to our sick and learning as I go. Today one of the workmen who works with the Gilani family came to do some work at the project with an infected wound on his ankle. He came to me for medical attention and I confirmed his medication with the doctor by phone to double check that what I had in mind was right, painkiller to help with swelling and pain, antibiotic to help reduce the infection causing the swelling, cleaning with betadine and a gauze dressing to allow it to breath but keep clean. I also unofficially treat the staff and workers at SCANN as I am of the opinion they get paid a basic wage, if they can't work because they are sick then we are having to manage without another pair of hands, it is better to treat early and them to work than to do without completely and possibly for a longer period of time.
I am also busy shaving the boy’s hair, what a mop they have since I last cut it. I must admit other than the fight with the clippers to get through the mops, I am really enjoying the time on a one to one with the boys again, gives them a chance to ‘chat’ – provides me with good counseling time. Unfortunately, who ever had been using my clippers in my absence has not been as good with the hand and clippers cleanliness as many of the boys are showing signs that the ringworm is back and spreading. Will have to sort out another mass treatment if the ringworm gets any worse.
We are still awaiting the rains. The weather has changed today it is usually very hot during the day with strong winds, this just ends up whipping up the dust that is lying everywhere and we quite often see mini whirl-winds winding their way along the roads, quite a spectacle and something to avoid being hit with, the dust gets everywhere! Today the air is calm and heavy and the sky is a bright white colour, hopefully it is the promise of ‘the rains’. Henry has planted at the house some seed crops and is eagerly awaiting the seedlings to appear ready to plant when the first drops of rain arrive, could be a long wait.
It turns out that Fatso is I think losing her ‘puppies’ probably a result of having been in the early stages of pregnancy at the time I injected her with contraceptive. I must admit, whilst not trying to be mean, it is with a sigh of relief that this is happening, I couldn’t bear the thought of having to look after more puppies after Kims 9!
I am looking into the possibility of selling off half the plot which is at the moment used for planting within my property. The land is not as productive as it could be due to the lack of water and it is time consuming to tend, instead the money can go towards helping me remain in Kenya for a while longer as I am finding cash flow a bit of a problem, it will however, mean that at the end of the day when I decide to sell up the value will have diminished but I will have been able to stay longer and accomplish more.
I have printed off more business cards for the B&B and am busy distributing them to my friends in the tourist business to help promote me, but as yet nothing. Well that is not totally true, I was asked to take in two volunteers who would be attending another church project for a month, their destined family were unable to take them. When I enquired as to how much remuneration would be received and calculated it out it wouldn’t even pay for their food for the month, let alone, showers water, electricity, washing, cleaning etc etc etc etc. So I pointed out that I was not a charity and could not afford to be out of pocket whilst taking in volunteers, it was to HELP with costs not incur them! I was excited at the prospect up until that point!
Anyone who could help by putting up a poster in their company or place of social or recreational activity please let me know and I can email you a copy to promote the B&B and Kenyan tourism, which is still a bit lacking at the moment.
Nathalie, my sister will be pleased to know I have managed to buy a bed cover which should keep her warm at night. I am also fighting a non ending battle with trying to keep the house clean, with the dust and the wind it is an impossible task but it keeps me busy. I keep saying I want to wash the curtains and Catherine tells me to wait for the rains as the dust will settle then, could be a long wait.
Ok time to go now as the boys are now arriving for computer lessons and I am making use of my lunch hour to type this at the project.
Love to everyone. Mwah xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Susannah
sorry it has been a while. Whilst I have got over the worst of the typhoid I am still a little lacking on the old energy front. So what’s new?????
My hen that has the chicks is doing a grand job in raising two strong chicks, they wait for me in the morning to come with their ‘chicken mash’ and whatever goodies I have found them. The cock and other hen are making such a noise because they can see but are separate from the others. I think they are aware that their food is not quite the same, mind you the hen with the chicks does such a song and dance when she eats that most of the food falls through the floor of the ‘penthouse’ to their run underneath. The second hen has been refusing to lay any eggs and I have for a week now told her that she will be heading to the cooking pot when Nathalie arrives as a celebration, I even told Henry that he would have to do the killing and plucking while I am out of the house, so it looks like a chicken from Sainsburys or Tescos! I can’t be doing with all that business!!! Yesterday I opened the door to the chicken house only to find she had laid an egg, in her case I suppose it is the ‘Golden Egg’ as it has saved her from the cooking pot, it was still warm too!
I have been busy at Scann trying to complete the contents of the lockers so that we can see what the clothing-short fall is, this is not a pleasant job, but what it has taught me is that some of the smaller boys are far tidier than the older ones. I have been trying to teach the older boys how to fold their clothes so that they are not all screwed up when they remove them from their lockers to wear. Some of them are also a little lacking in the knowledge of what washing soap is for! Hopefully when it is completed we are able to ask for what clothes we need as opposed to receiving so many that we already have and don’t need.
I am still working hard to help the doctor to administer to our sick and learning as I go. Today one of the workmen who works with the Gilani family came to do some work at the project with an infected wound on his ankle. He came to me for medical attention and I confirmed his medication with the doctor by phone to double check that what I had in mind was right, painkiller to help with swelling and pain, antibiotic to help reduce the infection causing the swelling, cleaning with betadine and a gauze dressing to allow it to breath but keep clean. I also unofficially treat the staff and workers at SCANN as I am of the opinion they get paid a basic wage, if they can't work because they are sick then we are having to manage without another pair of hands, it is better to treat early and them to work than to do without completely and possibly for a longer period of time.
I am also busy shaving the boy’s hair, what a mop they have since I last cut it. I must admit other than the fight with the clippers to get through the mops, I am really enjoying the time on a one to one with the boys again, gives them a chance to ‘chat’ – provides me with good counseling time. Unfortunately, who ever had been using my clippers in my absence has not been as good with the hand and clippers cleanliness as many of the boys are showing signs that the ringworm is back and spreading. Will have to sort out another mass treatment if the ringworm gets any worse.
We are still awaiting the rains. The weather has changed today it is usually very hot during the day with strong winds, this just ends up whipping up the dust that is lying everywhere and we quite often see mini whirl-winds winding their way along the roads, quite a spectacle and something to avoid being hit with, the dust gets everywhere! Today the air is calm and heavy and the sky is a bright white colour, hopefully it is the promise of ‘the rains’. Henry has planted at the house some seed crops and is eagerly awaiting the seedlings to appear ready to plant when the first drops of rain arrive, could be a long wait.
It turns out that Fatso is I think losing her ‘puppies’ probably a result of having been in the early stages of pregnancy at the time I injected her with contraceptive. I must admit, whilst not trying to be mean, it is with a sigh of relief that this is happening, I couldn’t bear the thought of having to look after more puppies after Kims 9!
I am looking into the possibility of selling off half the plot which is at the moment used for planting within my property. The land is not as productive as it could be due to the lack of water and it is time consuming to tend, instead the money can go towards helping me remain in Kenya for a while longer as I am finding cash flow a bit of a problem, it will however, mean that at the end of the day when I decide to sell up the value will have diminished but I will have been able to stay longer and accomplish more.
I have printed off more business cards for the B&B and am busy distributing them to my friends in the tourist business to help promote me, but as yet nothing. Well that is not totally true, I was asked to take in two volunteers who would be attending another church project for a month, their destined family were unable to take them. When I enquired as to how much remuneration would be received and calculated it out it wouldn’t even pay for their food for the month, let alone, showers water, electricity, washing, cleaning etc etc etc etc. So I pointed out that I was not a charity and could not afford to be out of pocket whilst taking in volunteers, it was to HELP with costs not incur them! I was excited at the prospect up until that point!
Anyone who could help by putting up a poster in their company or place of social or recreational activity please let me know and I can email you a copy to promote the B&B and Kenyan tourism, which is still a bit lacking at the moment.
Nathalie, my sister will be pleased to know I have managed to buy a bed cover which should keep her warm at night. I am also fighting a non ending battle with trying to keep the house clean, with the dust and the wind it is an impossible task but it keeps me busy. I keep saying I want to wash the curtains and Catherine tells me to wait for the rains as the dust will settle then, could be a long wait.
Ok time to go now as the boys are now arriving for computer lessons and I am making use of my lunch hour to type this at the project.
Love to everyone. Mwah xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Susannah
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Things just aren't going my way...
Hi Everyone,
Many many thanks for all the Get Well Soon emails, I am sure they have helped me to a 'speedy recovery'. It has been nearly two weeks of sleep, get up and eat, sleep, play with the dogs, sleep, read, sleep. You know the drill. On the days when I have felt up to going into town for shopping/ bank / internet I have ended up straight to bed when I get in and the next day pooped. One of you dear friends has advised me to be more careful where I put my hands.........thanks for that. I think my problem arises from the love of fresh fruit.... there is so much of it here I usually partake as a snack, no always with the luxury of being able to wash it. POINT TAKEN!!!!!!!!
Catherine has been looking after me very well, on days that were particularly bad waking me up to make sure I was still breathing..... she said you can only have sooooooooo much sleep. She has been plying me with uji........ um not my fav but easily digested and full of goodness (apparently). Yesterday I sent a text message to my doctor (the one who gave me his number as he wanted a date). I told him that I didn't think at this stage I should be spending so much time sleeping with exhaustion, he told me to stop the pills and arrange a date with him....... ummm ...... I take it to mean book an appointment on Monday for a checkup! Well that's what I am doing anyway!
Catherine has gone off to Nairobi to visit her family so I am 'home alone'. Well today anyway, Henry left early to spend the day at church, he usually gets back at about 7pm having left at 7am. I don't really understand how you can find enough to talk to God about - it is such a long long day. I got up with a bit more energy than usual and started cleaning. Took down all the curtains and washed them, (after a good soaking), swept the house and then mopped the floors, everything is now squeaky clean. I had to laugh when dusting the dining table and chairs, as I bumped into George who made them for me recently and told him that the chairs were still wobbly and needed his attention. He told me that he would come round some time and attend to my 'dancing chairs' as they certainly do dance but I have just accepted that that is how they will be. I just love the way people have such great terms for things, a squeaky door is a 'singing door'. This was obviously after sorting out the dogs, feeding the cat and attending to the chickens......... sounds very 'green wellie'! Actually do it in my flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt!
Henry has divided the chicken house/ penthouse into two with a compartment for the hen and her two chicks, they made far too much mess loose in the garage! The chicks are doing well and looking strong. I have had training on how and what to feed them and am told when the chicks develop 'feathers' instead of fluff they can go in with the others. They need the mothers warmth at night at the moment.
I arranged if I felt well to treat myself to a trip into town. Only a couple of hours, I agreed to meet one of the boys who had left SCANN and was now struggling as a teacher on his first months working without money until he gets paid. I bought him some groceries to keep him going as as far as SCANN is concerned he is now on his own a bit harsh, they gave him a bed, mattress, blanket, pillow, rent for the month, but not enough for food for the first month! I don't help all the older boys in this way but this guy has worked so hard to get his first teaching job, everyday he went to the college to sit and be told come back tomorrow. I think they had to give him a job because he was so damned persistent. He has come back to collect teaching material from the SCANN books and is now teaching, physics, maths and biology. He is a good guy, unlike some of the others who constantly want handouts of money to help them. He genuinely needed food stuffs. So that was my Godly thing for today, I keep being asked why I don't go to church............ I genuinely think that there are so many hypocrites here who spend the whole day at church, go home beat the wife and kids, have other women, drink etc etc. I am not saying I am better than them but I just do what I do knowing it is good.
I treated myself before I left the house with a hot shower, it was bliss after all that dust and housework. I dressed in a skirt and top and looked mighty fine, even if I have to say so myself. I chained the dogs, gave them water and locked the house and then left the property locking the gate from the outside with the padlock on the inside of the large gates, (accessed through a square large enough to get my hands through). Now the worst thing you can do is drop your keys as there is no way to get them without opening the gate..... Henry manages to drop them often and I give him a hard time about it, but luckily it is always when I am in the house when I can get them for him. TODAY I dropped the keys and no one is in. I have phoned Henry to let him know of this event and hoping he may come home early from church to let me in, but God comes first out here. So I find myself sitting in the internet, having read and filed all my emails, listening to the downpour that is taking place outside, knowing that I am locked out of the house and have no way of getting in until Henry finishes talking to God. I have no where to shelter outside the gates if I decided to go home and wait, so I think I will have to break my 'being good' rule and go have a few beers as I have now finished taking my pills. Well, what harm can it do????????
I am planning on going to SCANN tomorrow to see what has been going on in my absence, probably running along smoothly. The boys have been passing on their concerns for my health via Catherine and I love them for it. They probably think I am not coming back! We are preparing for visitors from Canada who help finance the schooling of the boys so everyone is working hard to ensure the place is spick and span. I have been looking into trying to find a more medical volunteer position that I can help with, not full time as I would struggle to leave the boys. There are so many outreach health worker schemes going on I am hoping to see if I can join one to increase my knowledge out here, everything helps. Although a paid job would help even more considering there have been no takers for my lovely B&B and my funds are beginnings to run a little on the low side!
Anyone fancy sponsoring me to be here working as a volunteer, I would love to hear from you, anyone who knows me knows how I hate 'the money thing'! Ok I have managed to send some text messages to my friends and someone is coming to join me for a beer to 'keep me company' !!!!! Oh well, better than drinking alone. Can I remind Nathalie as the rains are coming please come with suitable shoes that wont mind getting wet, also a water proof and an umbrella, unless you are planning on being like me, no jacket, no umbrella and a T-shirt that will go see through in the rain! Damn!!
Love to you all,
Susannah
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger (apparently!)
Oh, and for those of you that dont know IKEA Southampton is now OPEN!!!!!! Go visit it and say hi to anyone who knows me. xx
Many many thanks for all the Get Well Soon emails, I am sure they have helped me to a 'speedy recovery'. It has been nearly two weeks of sleep, get up and eat, sleep, play with the dogs, sleep, read, sleep. You know the drill. On the days when I have felt up to going into town for shopping/ bank / internet I have ended up straight to bed when I get in and the next day pooped. One of you dear friends has advised me to be more careful where I put my hands.........thanks for that. I think my problem arises from the love of fresh fruit.... there is so much of it here I usually partake as a snack, no always with the luxury of being able to wash it. POINT TAKEN!!!!!!!!
Catherine has been looking after me very well, on days that were particularly bad waking me up to make sure I was still breathing..... she said you can only have sooooooooo much sleep. She has been plying me with uji........ um not my fav but easily digested and full of goodness (apparently). Yesterday I sent a text message to my doctor (the one who gave me his number as he wanted a date). I told him that I didn't think at this stage I should be spending so much time sleeping with exhaustion, he told me to stop the pills and arrange a date with him....... ummm ...... I take it to mean book an appointment on Monday for a checkup! Well that's what I am doing anyway!
Catherine has gone off to Nairobi to visit her family so I am 'home alone'. Well today anyway, Henry left early to spend the day at church, he usually gets back at about 7pm having left at 7am. I don't really understand how you can find enough to talk to God about - it is such a long long day. I got up with a bit more energy than usual and started cleaning. Took down all the curtains and washed them, (after a good soaking), swept the house and then mopped the floors, everything is now squeaky clean. I had to laugh when dusting the dining table and chairs, as I bumped into George who made them for me recently and told him that the chairs were still wobbly and needed his attention. He told me that he would come round some time and attend to my 'dancing chairs' as they certainly do dance but I have just accepted that that is how they will be. I just love the way people have such great terms for things, a squeaky door is a 'singing door'. This was obviously after sorting out the dogs, feeding the cat and attending to the chickens......... sounds very 'green wellie'! Actually do it in my flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt!
Henry has divided the chicken house/ penthouse into two with a compartment for the hen and her two chicks, they made far too much mess loose in the garage! The chicks are doing well and looking strong. I have had training on how and what to feed them and am told when the chicks develop 'feathers' instead of fluff they can go in with the others. They need the mothers warmth at night at the moment.
I arranged if I felt well to treat myself to a trip into town. Only a couple of hours, I agreed to meet one of the boys who had left SCANN and was now struggling as a teacher on his first months working without money until he gets paid. I bought him some groceries to keep him going as as far as SCANN is concerned he is now on his own a bit harsh, they gave him a bed, mattress, blanket, pillow, rent for the month, but not enough for food for the first month! I don't help all the older boys in this way but this guy has worked so hard to get his first teaching job, everyday he went to the college to sit and be told come back tomorrow. I think they had to give him a job because he was so damned persistent. He has come back to collect teaching material from the SCANN books and is now teaching, physics, maths and biology. He is a good guy, unlike some of the others who constantly want handouts of money to help them. He genuinely needed food stuffs. So that was my Godly thing for today, I keep being asked why I don't go to church............ I genuinely think that there are so many hypocrites here who spend the whole day at church, go home beat the wife and kids, have other women, drink etc etc. I am not saying I am better than them but I just do what I do knowing it is good.
I treated myself before I left the house with a hot shower, it was bliss after all that dust and housework. I dressed in a skirt and top and looked mighty fine, even if I have to say so myself. I chained the dogs, gave them water and locked the house and then left the property locking the gate from the outside with the padlock on the inside of the large gates, (accessed through a square large enough to get my hands through). Now the worst thing you can do is drop your keys as there is no way to get them without opening the gate..... Henry manages to drop them often and I give him a hard time about it, but luckily it is always when I am in the house when I can get them for him. TODAY I dropped the keys and no one is in. I have phoned Henry to let him know of this event and hoping he may come home early from church to let me in, but God comes first out here. So I find myself sitting in the internet, having read and filed all my emails, listening to the downpour that is taking place outside, knowing that I am locked out of the house and have no way of getting in until Henry finishes talking to God. I have no where to shelter outside the gates if I decided to go home and wait, so I think I will have to break my 'being good' rule and go have a few beers as I have now finished taking my pills. Well, what harm can it do????????
I am planning on going to SCANN tomorrow to see what has been going on in my absence, probably running along smoothly. The boys have been passing on their concerns for my health via Catherine and I love them for it. They probably think I am not coming back! We are preparing for visitors from Canada who help finance the schooling of the boys so everyone is working hard to ensure the place is spick and span. I have been looking into trying to find a more medical volunteer position that I can help with, not full time as I would struggle to leave the boys. There are so many outreach health worker schemes going on I am hoping to see if I can join one to increase my knowledge out here, everything helps. Although a paid job would help even more considering there have been no takers for my lovely B&B and my funds are beginnings to run a little on the low side!
Anyone fancy sponsoring me to be here working as a volunteer, I would love to hear from you, anyone who knows me knows how I hate 'the money thing'! Ok I have managed to send some text messages to my friends and someone is coming to join me for a beer to 'keep me company' !!!!! Oh well, better than drinking alone. Can I remind Nathalie as the rains are coming please come with suitable shoes that wont mind getting wet, also a water proof and an umbrella, unless you are planning on being like me, no jacket, no umbrella and a T-shirt that will go see through in the rain! Damn!!
Love to you all,
Susannah
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger (apparently!)
Oh, and for those of you that dont know IKEA Southampton is now OPEN!!!!!! Go visit it and say hi to anyone who knows me. xx
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