December preparations

As the winter closes in, we need to prepare for the Tropic of Capricorn. The south African weather promises to be both hot and wet, although the rains may not be as severe in January as they are supposed to be currently. Nevertheless, it can't be as bad as the snow/sleet/freezing rain/high winds/thunder/lightning we are getting from the current storm which has swept in from the midwest US. I've been grabbing stuff whenever I think of a new thing we might need, and storing it in a laundry bag under my desk. The stuff includes (but not limited to): a Xenon-bulb small flashlight, LCD headlamps, bug repellant, binoculars, an extra photo flash card, 5 kg Aquasonic echo gel, batteries of all sizes, ACC/AHA pocket guidelines (preparing talks on the laptop), a multifaceted pocket tool, a bicycle cable lock, lots of Botswana-relevant books, etc. We ordered Ex-Officio travel underwear (washable and quick drying). We stocked up on LL Bean tropical wear (sun- and insect-repelling shirts and pants). Barbara bought Merrill hiking shoes similar to mine. We have hats, sun-screen, and other protective stuff to ward off the elements. I bought a "freeze-alarm" that will monitor the house temperature while we are away, alerting our family in town in case the furnace fails (this would not be good). Barbara has been creating lists and lists of lists.
We heard from Philips that the laptop echo machine I had hoped for (CX50) may not be available. Instead, they offered a HD11. This is older technology and not as portable, but will suit if the more desirable option is not available. I can wheel this machine onto the wards of PMH in that there is only one floor, but it will not be possible to do outreach echoes outside the hospital. I'll continue to lobby for the more portable option.