Ralph the Wonder Llama

Just a quick hello. We had a nice big thunderstorm last night and another one this afternoon. It’s just stopped raining after several hours, and it’s nice and cool and damp. Lovely.

Last night at about 4 am there was an earthquake, the second time in two months that I’ve been flat on my back in bed and felt the earth move, so things are clearly looking up. This was a proper good one too, with general shakiness and stuff clattering about on the fireplace.

I finished my malaria tablets this morning, so just have a few of the antibiotics and painkillers left to go, and hopefully I should be cured. I’ve had three decent nights in a row now and am feeling much improved, if still a bit whacked generally. Distinctly healthier though, I’m sure you’ll be glad to hear. The thought that’s stayed with me over the past few days is that, while this is a disease that affects and indeed still kills so many people worldwide every year, I’ve been treated with six tablets in three days at a cost of something like £2.50. I know that’s a lot more money to some than it is to me, but it puts into perspective what the governments of the world spend their money on. There are some strange priorities out there.

Later I shall exchange one form of pain for another by watching (satellite reception permitting) Liverpool play Chelski, in the company of a long-serving Chavs fan who’s staying here just now. Tara has threatened to call the police. I suspect, given the importance of a win to both sides, that we’ll end up with a tedious 0-0 draw.

Hopefully back to work tomorrow. I’ve lost a fair bit of time to illness, but hey, what can one do? I have a sick note, after all.