Exiting the toilet for the great outdoors

So, I deduced that the source of my pain and suffering was my water distiller. I have yet to figure out where the filter is but think it is not filtering properly. It could be something completely different but since I feel better and I don't drink that water...I am going with it.

It could be that I hired Jaqui who purchases all of my fruits and vegetables and washes them properly...ah it is good to eat something fresh and healthy as compared to my bag of beef jerky, smart popcorn, and of course the 100 lbs of bread I consumed last week as the only staple that did not cause my stomach to have convulsions!

Samuel had his first outing to the yard last weekend. He was so overwhelmed by the expanse of green grass that he became a lawnmower. He didn't even acknowledge the lizards, frog, or birds that were taunting him. Now, I get a nasty gram meow every night with a huff as he plops himself by the door -- like hello lady -- what about my outings?

I have been graciously hosted at several homes recently which has been quite nice to get to know different people. And, I participated in my first hash on Sunday. NO - I did not run but I did walk the course and partake of course in the beer celebration. I will post pictures in a separate posting.

New observations...I am still the crazy American. I have been frequenting the bakery across from the office. I don't think my workout routine is long enough to burn off the croissants I have been eating. Anyhow, the two ladies who work at the bakery definitely think I am a bit nutty. For the life of me I cannot seem to figure out how much to pay. They transact in US $ here but also in francs. But, they do not accept $1 bills or coins. So, for the life of me I can't get the math down...If something is $5,6 I would expect to pay just over $5. But yet, whenever I do the math whether it be easy math of 1000 to 1 or closer math at 900 to 1...I never seem to get it quite right and hopelessly at the bakery - I get it wrong. At least they are kind enough to hand back the excess.

Several of our Congolese staff have been attacked recently for their cell phones. So, I am super alert every time I walk to the grocery or embassy from the office. So far I have only been hassled at length to buy fruits/veggies or whatever oddity someone has from packs of tissues to socks to a cup of water. Oh, and my favorite is that the stores have select Costco brand items. I can guarantee that the price for one box of dryer sheets is not at the Costco member satisfaction price!