I named this update a while ago.  I thought I would describe all the changes that tend to happen just before the annual Trade Fair in Bulawayo, at which Robert Mugabe is always present, and this one is the Golden Jubilee of the Fair.  As usual,  various adjustments take place in preparation of Bob's long procession of vehicles, armoured ones no less (though ironically, he is usually hiding in the ambulance, or in a police car).  Adjustments... such as the filling of all potholes on any road leading to the Trade Fair grounds.  I was so excited to see this happening last week, I almost went home to get my camera.  Then I realized that instead of falling into the pit of a pothole, we were now having to drive over mini mountains as they had not been levelled - though a friend of mine assures me that this is normal and they have to sink.  

Anyway, Trade Fair aside...  I haven't slept very well over the past weekend, and decided last night that it would be an early one.  After turning the lights off and letting the dogs out (something we didn't used to do until last week, when an intruder tried to steal a wheel off the car), I hopped into bed, and was out cold by 10pm.  Though perhaps not so cold... as around 1ish, I heard the dog going nuts, and I heard noise outside.  I went to turn on the light outside whose switch is located in the one bathroom.  And through the crack of the open window, I peered out and saw a man either hiding under the car, or working on the car tyre, I couldn't quite tell.  I got the fright of my life, and ran to call H who organized for friends 2 houses away to come over with guns.  I ran up and down the house turning all the lights on, and very nervously passed the front door in the hope that nobody would be standing on the outside looking in, as it is surrounded by glass panels.  I turned on more lights.  J and S arrived, and the thief was nowhere to be found, though the dog continued to track the smell.  I had also called other friends who called a security company... the company asked if they could come in the morning, argh!  they did come eventually but it was way too late.  Thank goodness nothing sinister happened!  

I spent most of the rest of the night getting up because I thought I was hearing things... paranoia.  Then we did hear a car at the gate, and saw lights and heard people, and the intercom buzzed.  They claimed it was the police, but I said all was fine at that point, as I had no plans to open the gate again.  

I'm trying to keep this in perspective.  And I'm trying to figure out what the lesson is.  But the household is feeling shaken nonetheless, on edge.  That's it for now. 
Wishing you all safety and security.
- Gabi