Yesterday there was thunder and heavy rain, but the rain didn’t last long though its remnants did. The morning was cloudy and damp, but the sun will make an appearance. It will be warm at 61°. We had no concert today due to illness, someone else’s, not mine. I have another day of leisure.

This is the rainy season in Ghana. It was my favorite season. The millet filling the fields was tall. When I rode on back dirt roads, I couldn’t see compounds, only millet and the road ahead. The traditional food in Northern Ghana is t-zed, short for tuo zaafi, a sticky ball of millet you eat with soup. It was not one of my favorites. The soup was. I ate okra soup, my first okra. I didn’t even know okra existed before Ghana. I loved groundnut stew, made with peanut butter, groundnut paste. It was best with chicken. Light soup too was a favorite.

Peace Corps started in 1961. I began serving in 1969, still the early days. I always think of them as the wild, wooly days. Africa back then was mostly peaceful, Ghana especially. Peace Corps never kept tabs on us. We were on our own but nobody minded. We got mail from Peace Corps, the Week in Review from the New York Times and medical, Peace Corps and in-country up-dates. I remember the medical updates. Come on down to Accra. There has been a yellow fever outbreak and a bit later a cholera outbreak, and you need shots. The cholera was especially bad. Medical also reminded us of the usual shots we needed, especially gamma globulin every six months. We needed Aralen refills, the nasty tasting anti-malaria pills we took every week. Peace Corps never knew but we didn’t take it in the dry season, no mosquitos.

We left our schools to travel to Accra, Togo and other countries in West Africa. Peace Corps had no idea where we were. We didn’t care and they didn’t mind. I stayed in Bolga my first year from September to April. Peace Corps sent a nice letter saying I needed to check in with the office as it had been a long while. I guess they wanted to make sure I was healthy and they hoped happy. I went to Accra during Easter holiday as I was going to travel to Togo and needed my dollars from Peace Corps, a re-entry permit from Ghana and a visa to Togo. Peace Corps was relieved I was alive and well.

The world is different now. Peace Corps is cautious, and the safety and wellness of volunteers are prime. I understand the necessity, but I am glad I served in the wild and wooly days. They were perfect for me and my friends.

I am insanely busy, horrific for someone with the soul and spirit of a sloth. Between now and Wednesday, my only free day is Sunday, the Biblical day of rest and, now, coincidentally, my day of rest. Tonight is the first play of the season. Tomorrow is a concert at Chatham Airport. Sunday is coffee and the newspapers and my weekly call to my sister in Colorado. I’ll stop chronicling my week here so as not to bore you with the rest of the events on my yellow, weathered dance card.

The cape is hazy from the smoke. The sky is grey. Scattered showers are predicted. The temperature will be in the mid 60’s. It is an ugly day, but it is a good day. The trash is gone and my laundry is done, good news which comes with a sigh of contentment.

During the harmattan in Ghana, the air is filled with dust and sand from the Sahara. It blocks the sun and covers every surface. My lips and the heels of my feet cracked from the dryness. The only relief was at night when the air cooled. I’d open my windows despite the sand. Feeling cool was rare in Ghana.

This morning I started my day with a wonderful cup of coffee and a scone. I bought the scones at the farmer’s market yesterday. I buy the scones right away as the lady always sells out. Last night I had a blueberry scone as part of my supper. This morning it was coconut with a bit of butter.

My garden is more alive with color every day. I always take a walk around in the mornings when I get my papers. The day lilies on the borders of the grass have buds, but they won’t bloom for a while. I like to check their progress. Small purple flowers have spread to both sides of the garden. My hyacinths are tall but have no buds yet. They are the crowing glory of my garden.

Some of the lights along the fence and gate have died so I have to turn on the back light for the dogs to go into the yard though I suspect they don’t really care, but it makes me feel better.

Right now both dogs are having their morning naps. Henry sleeps on one corner of the couch. Nala sleeps behind me leaning against my back. She keeps me warm.