Thursday, October 29, 2009

Sorry for the tardiness..

I have been really busy for the past week going on post visits all over the Alibori...it is a big department. I can't even stay here long because I have to bug out to a nearby department to go banking (there is no bank in the Alibori which has benn causing problems since we switched to monthly pay periods in June). Happy Birthday to my Grandmother! What is everyone doing for Halloween? I have to run back here to meet up with an official form the Embassy (that busy). Hopefully many of you have already migrated to my facebook page to see all the neat photos of W.African life I saved off the Cotonou WS HDs. I will be putting an album up of some christoph herby's shots, he is a fellow Alibori PCV that has an awesome camera as wel as some photography classes (I think). I am above .500 in fantasy, so that is good. I have to go; I hope everyone is enjoying the weather change (even in the Alibori it is cool right now due to rains last night!)

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Package goodies...

I want to thank my family for the cranberries, cards, and other goodies necessary for the upcoming holiday preparations. I am still on the lookout for Kelli's package. I have been in the south for a while processing receipts and hope to make it back up to post at the beginning of next week. The operational money for Peace Corps was slow to get here (probably due to Columbus day).

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Gardening ideas...

Thanks for the ideas. There are very hot peppers in the Alibori (called piment) and I might just start cutting some up in a bowl of water and then sprinkling it on the plants. I know while cutting or washing the peppers your hands can burn and you don't want to touch sensitive areas. I was avoiding natural pesticides/animal deterrents due to the fact you have to re-apply fairly often. But I think the next try will include these measures. Also I will start making a Neem pesticide. I guess I'm going green.
I just did my first exchange of receipts, so I'll find out in three days if the government wants me for fraud. Also, 3-2 in FF...tied amongst others for 2nd place.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Garden Disaster/Update

So I'm located in the Alibori...there is not much in terms of vegetation here, and the small amount that is here is seasonal. There are also large lizards...they routinely get over a foot long (nose to tail). This is apparently a horrible combination for fledgling gardens. Many of my plants sprouted, but within days I notice leaves missing and many times entire plants! I caught a couple lizards munching away and now the only survivors are 2 green bean plants. Anyone have any suggestions? I am currently hunting lizards with a blowgun but they just run away with the darts in their hides. I am also entertaining the idea of buying a cat or placing a screen tent over the developing plants until they are big enough to survive the lizard onslaught. I will try to get a picture of the lizards so you have an idea what I am dealing with. (NOTICE: I just went outside to get a picture of a lizard...I nearly caught one with my hands...when I noticed the 2 plants have dwindled to 1)

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Getting Regular

So I think I've survived the bumpy transitional period...we'll see after I write my first monthly review. I planted a victory garden with the seeds people have been sending me and a few rows have already started sprouting (I hope it is the jalapeno but I forget what veggies are planted where :(. A new PCV TEFL will be moving to my town so I'm going to drop by her house to make sure everything is set for move-in tomorrow. It is starting to get hot again now that the rains have tapered off. Eagerly awaiting the harmattan so the temps will drop...not looking forward to another chaleur.