Starting to feel Canadian again

I've savoured some pieces of quintessential Canada in the last few days:

- the smell of poplars in Spring
- the sound of skates on ice
- finally being able to pitch in to family emergencies. We got the call Saturday evening that my dear ol' Gran was admitted to hospital in Saskatoon- I am so thankful that Tom & I were able to drive out there on Sunday to spend a few days with her. Gran's much better- back into her little apartment & I enjoyed a few beautiful walks in Saskatoon's river valley. After 5.5 years so far from home it is a wonderful feeling to be able to just sit with my Gran. Or my Aunt Martha. Or my folks.

Here are a couple photos from our first skate- Alvin hit ice for the first time last Friday & loved it. Looks like we might head out for another skate tomorrow- how wonderful! My friend Janet is teaching her friend Glen how to skate & invited us to join in- what a great idea, we four had such fun. And though nobody wanted photos on the blog I never made any promises*winning smile*

Thursday already?

It's amazing how fast the days are zipping by considering that Alvin & I really don't have much to do. We're not working yet and it's been a quiet week for callbacks...but somehow we're filling up the days- couldn't tell you what exactly we're doing though*grin*

We saw Tom & Dev throughout the whole weekend. Sunday was a highlight because Tom & Dev bought new patio furniture; thus we had to have pizza & beer (yum). And since the weather has been so gorgeous Dev put up the badminton net & we've had so much fun playing! I had to include a couple of candids.





























Tomorrow should also be an exciting day- we've got a skating date! Weeeeee

One for Namukolo

Well yesterday was quite the day. It was finally warm enough to get out & start doing some yard work. It's springtime! Enjoying the variety of the four seasons has been something that I've been looking forward to sharing with Alvin since we planned to move back to Canada. And it finally feels like our first Spring- the green grass is starting to come up from under the rake- thrilling!














Otherwise Alvin & I hosted our first "nshima" night. We missed our dear friend Kolo who made our nshima nights both delicious and interesting with her endless tales of drama. Tommy & Dev graciously came over & enjoyed eating with their hands...we hope it will be the first of many lovely nshima nights.

It's snowing!

Mother nature is saying "Welcome back to Alberta"*muha ha ha ha*. Funnier still is the fact that when I ran at midday today it was about 15 degrees. It sure is glorious to be warm & cozy in the house sipping on some hot chocolate while the wind howls outside. What fun. We also got to try out the big winter jacket that Alvin's Aunt Elena so generously sent from Connecticut.






























Apart from this excitement today Alvin & I have been busy bees. We're networking, applying for jobs, keeping up with school requirements (and that's both of us now!), and took a road trip to Saskatoon to celebrate Easter with the family.
Here's my dear old Gran who's still happiest in the kitchen at 86 years. She an amazing person & it was grand to spend Easter weekend with her. (And yes, that's a wine bottle- chokecherry wine)!














Gran is even so with the times that the Coca-Cola she bought (especially for me & Alvin) were in the gold cans for Canada's Gold medals at the Olympics- how exciting.














Tom & Devo busy in the kitchen.














After the big feast the guys thought it would be a good idea to do some yard work while the food settled. We laughed our lungs out when cousin Allan forgot to close up the bag of his fancy sucking-up-leaves-machine & blew out all the leaves back onto the lawn.














Oh, & I turned a year older & was spoiled by friends & family alike! These flowers came from my dear hubby & from sweet Carly. THANKS!!!

Bloggers bloc

Hi all,

Two weeks away & why the silence? Lots of reasons I suppose.

- I did not access the Internet for the entire week post-work & pre-homecoming. It was great. We were sent off several times in style from friends & family in Lusaka

-And here we are one week into our return to the Motherland. What have we been doing to keep ourselves so busy? Adjusting to the cold (ha ha). Lots of sleeping, and surprisingly, lots of business. We've been to offices all over the city replacing drivers licenses, attaining Alvin's new Albertan paperwork, and even dropping off a few resumes. I have been to the library, read one of the books I borrowed & smile to think I've got countless books at my fingertips! My parents have hosted several dinners and we're feeling positive about everything. And I do have my school obligations at the back of my mind; nagging like a guilty conscience.

-After the Easter weekend in Saskatoon with my dear Gran we are set to have more structured next week. We need to start exercising*ha ha ha*

Happy Easter/ long weekend to all- here are a few snaps for my faithful readers (I've been fairly undecided on what I should do with my blog now that I'm back home...but Aunt Nada insisted I post something up here...so we'll see if I can shake the bloggers bloc I've been experiencing since being back home)

The girls from work took me out for lunch & it was such a great reminder about how many amazing friends I've made over the years in Lusaka.














Our dear Gabby. We had to get a photo because I'd had my hair done that day*tihi*















What would have been more appropriate than a farewell braai at the farm? We had a lovely afternoon with the family- lots of food, singing, laughing & dancing.
Alvin's whole family was up dancing to "kakabalika" - a song they chose to bid us farewell- saying that the sun shall shine everywhere. It was beautiful.
















Baby Mutale with me & my mother-in-law















Jackie, Bwembya & Ethel














Me with aunt Josie & Danny














Grandma & Aunt Jose














We laughed at Danny & a crying Mutale














If there's one thing I'll likely get sentimental about- it'll be this team. I will miss "my boys", my co-coaches, and the wonderful guys at the Youth Basketball League.

Last day of work

Well I can happily confess that I’m thrilled to be starting out on a new adventure with my hubby. I’m planning on taking the entire week next week off (from school) to savour what has been our life in Lusaka. The weekend is jam-packed with lunch dates, last yoga classes, the Youth League opening tournament and a braai at the farm. Alvin & I will make the most of our last couple days in Lusaka before gearing up for the long plane ride back to the Motherland.

And we’re off!

Doing the rounds

I've never enjoyed a weekend quite so much when I didn't get anything done- no school, no exercise...just a lot of visiting & cleaning out of the closets.

Here are some photos of the lovely people we were able to visit with over the weekend.

Saturday we visited Alvin's cousins' newborn Jamilia.

Here's Mumbi (the new mother) with her mum who was passing through Lusaka.

Then off to visit my lovely niece (who has not yet featured up here); Chisanga & her mum (my sister-in-law) Nina.

Here's Chichi with her Pop- the well-loved Kim who's reputation precedes him

Sunday we were off to the Longwe-Clarke house for Sunday lunch & croquet. And it was our luck that Jumali brought over Nawiti...who I've adopted as yet another niece. She had the cutest shoes that squeaked with each step she took. And she gives High 5's- priceless.

Here's Nawiti with her Grandpa, chef of the day Kolo & Al

Nawiti with her Grandma

And the first of several croquet matches- it was a wonderful afternoon despite the fact that I didn't win a game!

Aside: I am not brooding...it's just that the camera isn't usually pulled out until there are smiling babes. I'm still a proud Auntie Sarah to be sure*grin*

As we try to find our zen

Last Friday in yoga one of the students made the strangest pronouncement (imagine the last type of person you’d expect to find in a yoga class- heaps of make-up, loud grating voice, and with each stretch sighing & complaining about how hard it is to attain a “hard stomach and thighs”). We’d spent the entire week wet under sheets of rain & grey cloudy skies- so perhaps we were all feeling a little giddy. Conversation turned to how next week (meaning this week) we should start doing the sun salutation series to find our internal sun & perhaps chase away all the rain. In her loud gravelly voice the least zen-like yogi states “Today is the last day of rain. At least that’s what they say”. Silence. Followed by raucous laughter. Last day of rain- sure lady- which planet do you come from? And who exactly is telling you this, the voices in your head?

What is funny about this whole situation? It hasn’t rained a drop since her prediction; and I can’t stop smiling!

The weekend again- yebo!

I was constructing a blog post in my head maybe on Wednesday; I was thinking about the 4-day weekend I’d just come away from. And now it’s Friday & I’m gearing up for another weekend & there’s so much going on. What shall I report:

- I only managed one run on my 4 days off due to lots of bad weather & timing of other meetings etc. However, I started thinking about all the other things I got to do & didn’t feel so bad after that: yoga, zumba, an evening walk with my hubby, and that run.
- And apart from exercise I managed to host a girls “tea party”. Mostly I got the girls together for a couple of drinks, a few snacks, and had them clear out my bookshelf & several household “give-aways”. I felt really good once they’d left…until I realized there’s still a lot of stuff that must go.
- My two basketball co-coaches & I managed to make progress with the school that took down the basketball hoops. I left a meeting with the Headmistress feeling elated- we finally have direction! So when I meet the boys this Sunday it’ll be great to share what we’ve learnt & get the teams together to start working on what will one day become our new court. Hopefully I’ll have more news on that next week.

It’s been a miserable & rainy week here but it’s ok- it’s easier for me to motivate myself to stay on top of school AND do the packing up!
Happy Friday

PS. Why no comments on my Chipata blog? I love some of those photos…it’s just me getting sentimental??

Chipata trip

I must say I am fortunate to be able to have gone out to Zambia’s Eastern province to monitor a couple of projects we have funded in both Katete & Chipata districts. They say there is always adventure when “in the field”. There was no exception here. Please enjoy (?) a pictorial display of the ups & downs of gorgeous Eastern province Zambia.

First, Alvin teased me when I was departing; that whole bag for two nights away. Just think, double that & it’s your allowance to return back home. Oy oy. I guess I need a crash course in packing…

I couldn’t help but think how amazing it would be to wake up to such views everyday (& it was miserable & rainy most of my stay)!
This is the view of Chipata town from way up on the hill

This is the view from the back of the lodge

What with all the rain we had one heck of a trip to a rural school. Small wonder only 1 of the 3 vehicles made it through to the school.

Due to the predicament I had to rely on a more reliable form of transport.I must say I thought of a few girlfriends in this situation. It has been a small goal of mine to start ‘looking’ more professional…I put on a suit and was trying to apply a bit of lipstick on these treacherous roads before arriving at the destination. Talk about sublimely ridiculous. I ended up at the meeting with black feet, muddy trousers and what- LIPSTICK? Really I must work on evaluating the appropriateness of my decisions…given the circumstances.

However, the views were stunning & the meeting went well & my heart felt full with laughter.

The other advantage to heading out of the city is buying fresh farm produce on the way back to Lusaka. I picked up my favourite mushrooms- though they’re a disaster to clean (terribly sandy). Dinner was delicious last night though…

Transitioning

Hi all, I've been away in the wilds of Eastern Zambia for a couple of days. I shall post stories & photos hopefully very soon. Until then, find below a post that I had written on Sunday.

I told myself I wouldn’t fall into the trap of posting sentimental stories of leaving Zambia (I should actually prepare a list of things that I will not miss)*grin*- but I couldn’t resist mentioning a few emotions I went through over the weekend.
- Rain- damn. No run.
- My two meetings for Saturday have been postponed until further notice. But I smile; I will miss the unpredictability of what is my social life when I’m back in Canada. Somehow I feel relieved the meetings didn’t pan out because I never would have gotten back to snuff with school…
- I close the door on my way out to post for Uni; the door handle ends up in my hand while the door remains ajar. I want to scream in frustration. Or throw the handle through a window. Instead I smile- I will not miss this flat with its door handles that don’t close doors.
- For no particular reason at all Alvin & I popped a cheap bottle of champagne Saturday evening. We sat on our little patio feeding the mosquitoes on the perfect breezy evening. And I thought- we’ll be fine back home. Yes, we’ll just be smiling at the Alberta skies instead…

4-day weekend

Sorry, I seem to be neglecting my blog…I think it’s because I’ve failed to carry my camera with me on my recent adventures. What can I report that may be of general interest to some of my faithful readers??

I’m off a 4-day weekend during which time I:

o RAN - oh it was so wonderful to be back on the road- on a cool morning or a sweltering one, pounding the pavement felt great. I thought of Pat though…I wasn’t measuring kilometres or minutes- just out there playing the route by ear, perfect!
o Visited- Al’s dear brother Kim had been MIA for many months…he happens to be in Lusaka & we had a wonderful time catching up with him & his family, & his other brother. I’m only sad I didn’t bring my camera- I know anyone who’s met Kim would love to be reminded of his million-dollar smile
o Read- Ok…I’m up to date on one of my two Uni courses…so it could be worse*grin*. I’ve also started Collier’s highly recommended The Bottom Billion
o Celebrated Valentine’s in the most unromantic way possible…well, apparently me & my hubby decided to share the day with our single friends- & it was lovely. Kolo came over & cooked up a storm for lunch, then after I’d finished training my boys (at another court…no good news there) we came back home to crack a couple beers with my co-coach & our good friend Alinafe. I cannot remember the last time I had a beer but I enjoyed my ice cold Mosi immensely
o Cleaned- there’s no more putting it off; desks are being emptied, papers being shredded, clothes being given away. Amazing how five years worth of stuff accumulates where one would least expect to find it. Wish us luck packing our lives into two measly bags each!

And now it’s back to work & back to reality…gym date tonight- I’m off for zumba while Al will push weights- yay!

Pineapple upsidedown cake gone under

I couldn't help but giggle yesterday as I prepared a pineapple upside down cake for my mother-in-law's birthday. Al & I were set to head over for dinner with the family so I thought I'd whip up a cake. It was not to be. After baking the cake I flipped it over (so it would be upside down) only to realize that the bottom (now the top) was raw. HORRORS. Turns out my oven was on broil...not bake- OOPS. Out of desperation I threw it back in right-side up to broil the other side. Result: a terrible looking cake that still managed to taste ok- though it was rather flat. I decided to bake some apple muffins to bring over just in case we found the cake inedible. Disaster!

We had a fun evening though- all parties seem to focus on babies though. And would any of you believe that Auntie Sarah is being blamed for teaching baby Mutale this face? Why I'd never...




















Birthday Grandma with babe




















Alvin loving up his niece




















Of other interest- we bought our plane tickets home yesterday. We'll be back in Edmonton March 26th...I can't believe it's so soon!

I couldn't resist

I have no idea why, but I couldn't resist taking a few minutes to post as the rain hammers down this Monday morning. Hard to believe it's been raining on & off for almost 24 hours straight. It's glorious & cool & I'm on my third cup of jasmine tea*hahah*. I've just brewed the "Dragon Tears" for this glass though, the previous two were "jasmine with flowers"... deeelicious. (I'm such a bad Canadian eh, no coffee)!

The weekend was great despite involving a lot of schoolwork. That's right, I'm back to school & had to do a lot of reading so I could open the discussion today. Otherwise Alvin's team lost their first game in the best of three series for the national championships. My former team won though so at least there's some good news. We'll be back at it next Saturday- & then the season will be over...I plan on doing lots of visiting*grin*.

And that's about it. The birds have started chirping as the downpour has subsided for a few minutes...should be my call to do some work!