Woke to news of snow in Kirriemuir, my old home town of 12 years+, and very cold weather throughout the UK.  All the beautiful plants Heather and I put in the garden yesterday are looking as if they want to be dug up and taken back to the nice warm shop.  Not gonna happen.

Warm is what I'm expecting very soon, possibly too warm.  The main rainy season in Malawi is from December through to March, and in April and May the land is starting to dry out, leaving a green landscape.   In June and July the nights become cooler,   Over this period temperatures will vary from 14 c night time to 26 c daytime.

Fingers crossed there are no delays on the roads - we are leaving 6 hours to do a 45 minute trip from Harpenden to Heathrow, so we have left plenty of time.  Heather and Helen are coming to wave me off - I expect they want to be sure I've left the country before they start on a celebratory binge.  Meanwhile I shall be attempting to learn Chechawi, and read Temple Grandin's book on animal behaviour. Lots of fun ahead!