Guess I need to change topics, huh?

So, it appears that insects are not on the top of the list of things that excite my loyal readers, as evidenced by the lack of participation in my exciting ninja spider sightings poll. Only 6 respondants took the time (approx. 2 seconds) to enter their guesses. Well, 2 of you were right-- exactly 30%. The answer is... (drumroll, drumroll, drumroll), I know you're all on the edge of your seats now... FOUR! Congratulations to the 2 anonymous respondents that may someday get a paperweight in the mail featuring a big hairy spider killed especially for you by Deliwe and put in that clear stuff that hardens so you can see the beautiful dead spider in all its glory forever and ever, AMEN!

So, for those who want to claim their 'prize,' please reveal your identity in the comments section, including mailing address and/or e-mail, so I can get those preserved dead spiders out to you right away!

Something tells me my loyal readership just dwindled by 30%. Well, 4 outta 6 ain't too bad, is it?

OK, so, new topics. It's now after 10 p.m., so, this'll be short. I've been having lotsa computer connection problems lately, so gave up this afternoon and decided to come back to the office after dinner to do my internet duties. In addition to that, it's gotten REALLY HOT HERE! It appears that during this time of year in Malawi, one has basically 2 options: 1) Lots of pouring rain, followed by cooler temperatures and insect/spider infestations, or 2) drought-like conditions featuring extremely hot temperatures with relatively high levels of humidity. I'm still trying to decide which is worse... Spiders or sizzling heat? The jury's still out. I'll keep you posted.

In other news, rumor has it that we experienced an earthquake last night in Malawi! I had no idea this was possible here, but as it turns out, they're quite rare. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), this anomaly occurred in the early morning hours (around 4 a.m.) so neither Deliwe nor I experienced it, as we were still snoring happily at that hour. However, as I've mentioned before, many people here are actually up at such god-forsaken early hours, so based on their eye-witness accounts, it appears to be true! I've been trying to find news of it on the internet, but as of yet, no luck. I'd love to see some actual documentation of this occurrence, so if anyone (especially the 2 or 3 faithful readers in Malawi) can forward any via the comments section here, I'd be eternally grateful! (I might even send you one of those preserved spiders, just to show my gratitude! ;-)

Another quick note... Deliwe and I now have a family living with us... stay tuned for more details on that tomorrow...(he he, now I know how to keep you comin' back!)

Due to the late hour, and my need for sleep due to a complete energy drain from extreme heat, I'll now sign off. Don't worry, tomorrow I promise to finally tell all the stories of last week's trip to Lilongwe, complete with pictures. (that is, if all 4 of you are still interested...) Tiwonana Mawa!