We've had a great summer here in Moscow. The "kids" came and went, the summer finally got here and the weather has been lovely for the most part. The trees are beginning to lose their leaves and some even have touches of color!! It's still July. But I know full well that fall is very close. I'm not ready! Too cold a spring and early summer. But I shouldn't be whining yet!!! Something about having a positive attitude.....

Been on a couple of bus tours....if you are on FB you can see the pics. Seen a couple of "new to me" monasteries in Moscow. Enjoyed the outdoor cafes every chance we get. We have a Friday Afternoon Happy Hour here at our courtyard. It includes snacks, wine (lots of it,) beer, and singing!! Yes, singing! Friends Megan and Bonnie and I end up singing to country favorites. See what too much wine will do to you! It's fun....I wonder what the neighbors think? At least they are tolerant of us.

I am always fearful that with many people traveling out of Moscow during the summer that it will be boring. Hasn't happened so far! In fact I yearn for some quiet days at home. Most weeks I have to make that happen by turning down an invitation to do something fun. Oh, well, such is life! The Moscow Life, anyway!

Kids are coming!

I'm sure they really appreciate me calling them kids since they are 25-30-year olds, but guess they will always be kids in my book!

So, who is coming to visit? Meghan and her boyfriend Jacob are arriving in a few hours! I'm excited for Jacob to see Moscow (and St. Petersburg.) He has heard alot about it, I'm sure. Now it will fun to show him "our town."

Tomorrow, 4th of July, Harry's 1st cousin Jan's oldest daughter Leana is coming, from around the world...I will have to get the story straight before I tell it! Her friend Maria will also fly in from DC. So we will have a house full and I'm so excited. I love people this age! They are so smart and open to the world. They will experience Russia in a totally different way than I do. I'm excited to see Russia through their eyes.

Monday-Thursday next week they will go to St. Pete's...without me or Harry. I hope all goes well! They are set up with a way to get there and a place to sleep. After that....they are on their own. Free to explore the city as they would like. A few guidelines from me on the must-see's....and some contact numbers in case of trouble. But not expecting any....they will have a great time, I'm sure!

Meghan and Jacob head home July 12 and Leana and Maria head out to their next destinations on July 14.

Tomorrow, the American Women's Organization will hold a 4th of July Pot Luck celebration right here in our little courtyard. We are happy to have them and even happier that someone else is in charge!! But we will have bathrooms to share, so that will be good.

So my days will be filled with sight seeing for the next couple of weeks. I will catch you up when I can...and hopefully learn to post pics.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, AMERICA!!!!!!