More interesting days here at Mother of Mercy Hospice- life's never boring here on the Great North Road (that never quite made it's intended Cape to Cairo)  As today is Saturday and there were no visits planned, it has been a domestic day of Mass, breakfast, laundry and gardening.  Loaned a 'small hoe' by the gate and grounds man, we have made small flower beds near the stoep of our house and planted Calla lily and African Marigold seed and transplanted a few ferns and Sansaveria (mother in law's tongue) from other borders.  Now the watering, always a challenge out of the rainy season; these little beds, less than a metre square, are near the kitchen door and so can be easily moistened with spare water, even from the washing up when cool.  Not sure the mint root I have acquired will survive the heat-maybe under other plants when they are established; this fragrant herb likes a damp shady environment but I see it coping under other plants.  Basil now, that would enjoy our hotter than Mediterranean climate- will look for seeds.

There's a fund-raising and celebratory braai (BBQ) in the Guardian Angels school next door; much singing and drumming which eventually has grown quiet- this is probably the eating part; we have paid for 2 chicken portions to be delivered later for our supper though we do also have a small bowl of the delicious local beans- similar to the red beans used in chilli dishes but these are pink and tender and tasty, cooked with a little onion by Rose, the hospice cook.  Add some chilli pepper and tomatoes, the braai chicken, a couple of flour tortillas and a cold beer and that's a good Saturday night feast.  We have also some ground(pea)nuts dry roasted over charcoal bought from near the bus stop, sold in tiny plastic bags for 1,000 kwacha each bag  (about 10p)

I walked down to Chilanga South to visit the ATM which allows customers to take out 2 million kwacha, about £250.  It seems safe: a bullet-proof perspex shield round the ATM and a couple of paramilitary security guards, often with rifles, sitting by the exit for protection.

Time to go and sort out those foodie delights!