So I went to the grocery store this morning, and all the employees were wearing medical masks. Of course most of them had them around their neck or looped over their ear. The point? Not sure. Just to make a show I guess.
Then went to the money machine. I usually walk, but I'm extremely tired from the Craft Fair yesterday and the weather is gross. So I had Dima drive me. After I asked him to take me, I realized it was on the busiest street in Moscow, mid-morning. Not very likely that there would be parking spaces. And of course there weren't any. No problem.....just double park! Just one of the many practices that makes Moscow traffic horrendous. However, this morning, I was more than happy to take advantage!
The 16th annual AWO Craft Fair. benefitting the children's oncology hospital, was yesterday. We have worked for many months on it. But really, REALLY worked the last 2 days. It was very successful and we are happy....but mostly happy it is over!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Fall in Moscow
Harry is always "reminding" me to update my blog....no so easy to find fun things to write about anymore (have I been here too long???) but a couple of things have happened recently, so here I am to tell you about them.
A couple of Sundays ago, as we were walking up to the church, a few 20-somethings were gathered at the gate. Not the typical St. Louis parishioners....they had piercings and leather and spikes and were holding flowers and smoking a last cigarette before heading into church. A couple of people were holding bouquets of flowers (an odd compliment to the aformentioned dress) I suspected they had no idea this was a English-language Catholic Mass. As far as they were concerned it was a church, and apparently any church would do. They were a few minutes behind us in entering the church, and came in loudly (I think there were maybe 8 or 10 of them.) Fr. Eduard, our friendly, but strict junior priest hushed them from the altar where he was setting up for Mass. (Fr. Eduard was the priest who reprimanded us after Mass one Sunday for not singing! Our organist and chief choir member (there are maybe 4 or 5 at best anyway!!) were not there. We are a congregation where, for the majority of us, English is not the first language....give us a break!!! Anyway I digress........) They sat right behind Harry and I. Mass began, they chatted through most of it, albeit fairly quietly. Friend Anne, who was sitting behind this little band, said more than one left for a cigarette break during Mass. The sign of peace was rather humorous...I was determined to shake their hands. They weren't quite sure what to do but took my offered hand and smiled back. They were smart enough not to go to Communion. After Mass, I saw our ever present Andrew (without whom Mass would not go as smoothly as it does) take a couple back to the Sacristy....I assume to speak to Fr. Eduard. I had no idea what was going on but very curious about it all. So at breakfast after Mass I asked Andrew what the deal was. He said that they had showed up to get married!! I'm sure Fr. Eduard set them straight. Not sure this would EVER happen in the US. Life is (almost) always entertaining in Moscow!
This next story is more humorous (for me, anyway) in hindsight. When it was occuring, I didn't find it nearly so amusing. It's kind of a 2 part story.....
Saturday morning we went to the Mega Mall north of town. It's a bit of a trip out there but we can make a day of it. I bribe Harry with offer of lunch at a KFC where he can have fried chicken AND beer. We went to the Lowes-type store for some plants for the church garden, then on to Auchan's grocery store for a few items. Now, if we didn't desperately need some of the items I would never even walk into this store on a Saturday, mid day. It is the craziest place you have ever seen (I'm sure I've told you about it before in this space.) Not only are there so many people you can barely walk (and Russians are not known for their courtesy or their understanding of personal space.) Now amid ALL this chaos, they are stocking the shelves, as they always do. Doesn't matter how busy the place is, they stock shelves. So, TONS of people, pallets of goods, and forklifts!!!! Well, Harry is off getting something, I tell him I'm going to get eggs and milk...he is just a little ways behind me. In front of me is a forklift. So, I step between 2 pallets to get out of the forklift's way, not even noticing there is a cart (not mine of course) between me and the forklift. Well, she hits the cart and pushes it in to me...to the side of her mind you. I am pinned (and it's a bit uncomfortable as you can imagine) between the cart and the pallet. I can't get out, I can't move. I hear Harry say, sort of loudly, are you ok? The forklift lady, backs up, climbs down off the cart, shoves it out of her way (I escape) and climbs back up on the forlklift and drives off. Not one word of apology or even a glance my way. I'm used to it....I might have been in more shock if she had said something to me!
Part 2 of the Auchan's story: So I've been "forklifted" and as you can well imagine, I'm not very happy (pissed off if you want to know the truth!!) We get our few necessary items and go to the check-out stand. Now on most Saturdays the lines at this place are RIDICULOUSLY long, but they have fairly recently instituted express lanes. So there are 6 express lanes and you stand in one queue til one of the 6 checkers is open. We are (amazingly!) first in line, staning there, minding our own business. Suddenly a Russian lady walks up and places herself right in front of me! Now, again, this is typical Russian behavior. If they think they can get away with it, they will cut in line with no qualms whatsoever. So I say to her in Russian, excuse me. She, with a big grin on her face says something back to me, which of course I don't understand. So I say to her, loudly and in English, EXCUSE ME, I WAS HERE FIRST, YOU WERE NOT!!! And I step in front of her.....and she backs off. Then it is my turn and I walk up to the cashier, who is smiling and pretty soon laughing. I ask Harry, do you think they are laughing at me or her? He says, probably both of you! Harry says, good for you. If I had not been pinned by a forklifted cart I might have let her pass....but not this day!
We ended the day with a trip to the honey festival and a walk around the lovely Tsaritsino park. The weather was beautiful and the trees are turning. I was happy to have a good memory to replace the "Auchan's Moment."
A couple of Sundays ago, as we were walking up to the church, a few 20-somethings were gathered at the gate. Not the typical St. Louis parishioners....they had piercings and leather and spikes and were holding flowers and smoking a last cigarette before heading into church. A couple of people were holding bouquets of flowers (an odd compliment to the aformentioned dress) I suspected they had no idea this was a English-language Catholic Mass. As far as they were concerned it was a church, and apparently any church would do. They were a few minutes behind us in entering the church, and came in loudly (I think there were maybe 8 or 10 of them.) Fr. Eduard, our friendly, but strict junior priest hushed them from the altar where he was setting up for Mass. (Fr. Eduard was the priest who reprimanded us after Mass one Sunday for not singing! Our organist and chief choir member (there are maybe 4 or 5 at best anyway!!) were not there. We are a congregation where, for the majority of us, English is not the first language....give us a break!!! Anyway I digress........) They sat right behind Harry and I. Mass began, they chatted through most of it, albeit fairly quietly. Friend Anne, who was sitting behind this little band, said more than one left for a cigarette break during Mass. The sign of peace was rather humorous...I was determined to shake their hands. They weren't quite sure what to do but took my offered hand and smiled back. They were smart enough not to go to Communion. After Mass, I saw our ever present Andrew (without whom Mass would not go as smoothly as it does) take a couple back to the Sacristy....I assume to speak to Fr. Eduard. I had no idea what was going on but very curious about it all. So at breakfast after Mass I asked Andrew what the deal was. He said that they had showed up to get married!! I'm sure Fr. Eduard set them straight. Not sure this would EVER happen in the US. Life is (almost) always entertaining in Moscow!
This next story is more humorous (for me, anyway) in hindsight. When it was occuring, I didn't find it nearly so amusing. It's kind of a 2 part story.....
Saturday morning we went to the Mega Mall north of town. It's a bit of a trip out there but we can make a day of it. I bribe Harry with offer of lunch at a KFC where he can have fried chicken AND beer. We went to the Lowes-type store for some plants for the church garden, then on to Auchan's grocery store for a few items. Now, if we didn't desperately need some of the items I would never even walk into this store on a Saturday, mid day. It is the craziest place you have ever seen (I'm sure I've told you about it before in this space.) Not only are there so many people you can barely walk (and Russians are not known for their courtesy or their understanding of personal space.) Now amid ALL this chaos, they are stocking the shelves, as they always do. Doesn't matter how busy the place is, they stock shelves. So, TONS of people, pallets of goods, and forklifts!!!! Well, Harry is off getting something, I tell him I'm going to get eggs and milk...he is just a little ways behind me. In front of me is a forklift. So, I step between 2 pallets to get out of the forklift's way, not even noticing there is a cart (not mine of course) between me and the forklift. Well, she hits the cart and pushes it in to me...to the side of her mind you. I am pinned (and it's a bit uncomfortable as you can imagine) between the cart and the pallet. I can't get out, I can't move. I hear Harry say, sort of loudly, are you ok? The forklift lady, backs up, climbs down off the cart, shoves it out of her way (I escape) and climbs back up on the forlklift and drives off. Not one word of apology or even a glance my way. I'm used to it....I might have been in more shock if she had said something to me!
Part 2 of the Auchan's story: So I've been "forklifted" and as you can well imagine, I'm not very happy (pissed off if you want to know the truth!!) We get our few necessary items and go to the check-out stand. Now on most Saturdays the lines at this place are RIDICULOUSLY long, but they have fairly recently instituted express lanes. So there are 6 express lanes and you stand in one queue til one of the 6 checkers is open. We are (amazingly!) first in line, staning there, minding our own business. Suddenly a Russian lady walks up and places herself right in front of me! Now, again, this is typical Russian behavior. If they think they can get away with it, they will cut in line with no qualms whatsoever. So I say to her in Russian, excuse me. She, with a big grin on her face says something back to me, which of course I don't understand. So I say to her, loudly and in English, EXCUSE ME, I WAS HERE FIRST, YOU WERE NOT!!! And I step in front of her.....and she backs off. Then it is my turn and I walk up to the cashier, who is smiling and pretty soon laughing. I ask Harry, do you think they are laughing at me or her? He says, probably both of you! Harry says, good for you. If I had not been pinned by a forklifted cart I might have let her pass....but not this day!
We ended the day with a trip to the honey festival and a walk around the lovely Tsaritsino park. The weather was beautiful and the trees are turning. I was happy to have a good memory to replace the "Auchan's Moment."
Thursday, September 10, 2009
A Military Tattoo????
No it isn't body art! A military tattoo is a military music festival and although I've never been to one anywhere else, I would say that Moscow's must surely rank up there with some of the best. Bands (and really, some were more like theatrical productions, some were straight off the (American) football fields. All were great and some were fabulous! Some of the countries represented: Russia, Kazakhstan, India, Israel, Finland, Italy, France, UK, combining GB and Northern Ireland (representing mechanical and electrical engineering,) China...those are the ones I can remember (no Americans....financial crisis, maybe??) Ranks up there as one of the top experiences for me in Moscow.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A Late Summer Update
Summer has slowed down to a crawl. Nice, though. It's good to have some quiet time before the busy-ness of fall. Yes, even for those of us without children, fall just seems to get busier. AWO signup will take place early September and the new year will be off and running. We are definitely gearing up for that. Fall always means the Craft Fair, our big fund-raiser for Nastenka, the childrens oncology hospital we support. I have no specific role this year (for the first time since I moved here!) but I attend the meetings to offer the wisdom of years past, to fill in where needed, and to just "keep my hand in."
Meghan has made the big move to Dallas. She also has a job! She will be teaching 3rd grade at Ethbridge Elementary in Garland. As I understand it, she will be teaching everything but math, which makes her MORE than happy! She is excited about teaching science which she has never taught before. Of course she has only been at school one day, the kids don't start til the 24th and I've only spoken to her briefly, so she may not know much...and I know less! But she is very happy to be settled in Dallas and not having to drive every other weekend to see Jacob.
We hear from Drew even less frequently than we do Meghan! He is 5 hours ahead of us in Korea, and believe it or not, that makes it more awkward to get ahold of him. Plus, he is working (duh) but his Blackberry only works at his hotel. Go figure! Anyway, last news was that he was heading back to the US around Aug. 20th. He will be happy to see "what he pays for" (his words) and sleep in his own bed. He has been gone since first of March, if I remember correctly. We haven't seen him since Christmas! Hopefully that will be remedied soon.
I thought of a couple of interesting things I've done this summer. On Tuesdays, my friend Bonnie and I get together with a Russian Language teacher, who has been around the ConocoPhillips group a long times and knows most of us. She knows Bonnie and me well....we ONLY want language in a fun environment (shopping, sightseeing, cooking.) So among the many things we have done this summer, one of them is to learn a couple of classically Russian dishes. One is called pelmeni, which is a little meat (or anything else you wish to put in it) dumpling wrapped in a dough that is alot like a noodle dough. It was fun, tasty, and dinner was cooked for that night. These are very traditional and are sold everywhere.....restaurants and stores. I enjoyed learning how to make them. Will I ever do it again....maybe. They are time intensive! But sometimes I get motivated....so maybe. The other thing we learned to make is called cirniki . Cirniki is a kind of cheese (tvorog....kind of a cross between a cream cheese and a cottage cheese...has some small curds in it, but creamy) pancake. You mix it with egg, flour, a bit of sugar, and fry them, potato pancake style. They are served with sour cream and jam. Really good! I haven't made them at home yet, but will do it soon. Maybe I will even take pictures like my friend Kerry!
We have enjoyed a run of beautiful weather the past week or so. Warm, sunny days. We try to get out and enjoy. I've taken Abby to the park a couple of times, we try to have coffee or eat outside when we can.
Hope your summer has been full of fun things as well and that you are ready to face YOUR busy fall, rested and refreshed.
Meghan has made the big move to Dallas. She also has a job! She will be teaching 3rd grade at Ethbridge Elementary in Garland. As I understand it, she will be teaching everything but math, which makes her MORE than happy! She is excited about teaching science which she has never taught before. Of course she has only been at school one day, the kids don't start til the 24th and I've only spoken to her briefly, so she may not know much...and I know less! But she is very happy to be settled in Dallas and not having to drive every other weekend to see Jacob.
We hear from Drew even less frequently than we do Meghan! He is 5 hours ahead of us in Korea, and believe it or not, that makes it more awkward to get ahold of him. Plus, he is working (duh) but his Blackberry only works at his hotel. Go figure! Anyway, last news was that he was heading back to the US around Aug. 20th. He will be happy to see "what he pays for" (his words) and sleep in his own bed. He has been gone since first of March, if I remember correctly. We haven't seen him since Christmas! Hopefully that will be remedied soon.
I thought of a couple of interesting things I've done this summer. On Tuesdays, my friend Bonnie and I get together with a Russian Language teacher, who has been around the ConocoPhillips group a long times and knows most of us. She knows Bonnie and me well....we ONLY want language in a fun environment (shopping, sightseeing, cooking.) So among the many things we have done this summer, one of them is to learn a couple of classically Russian dishes. One is called pelmeni, which is a little meat (or anything else you wish to put in it) dumpling wrapped in a dough that is alot like a noodle dough. It was fun, tasty, and dinner was cooked for that night. These are very traditional and are sold everywhere.....restaurants and stores. I enjoyed learning how to make them. Will I ever do it again....maybe. They are time intensive! But sometimes I get motivated....so maybe. The other thing we learned to make is called cirniki . Cirniki is a kind of cheese (tvorog....kind of a cross between a cream cheese and a cottage cheese...has some small curds in it, but creamy) pancake. You mix it with egg, flour, a bit of sugar, and fry them, potato pancake style. They are served with sour cream and jam. Really good! I haven't made them at home yet, but will do it soon. Maybe I will even take pictures like my friend Kerry!
We have enjoyed a run of beautiful weather the past week or so. Warm, sunny days. We try to get out and enjoy. I've taken Abby to the park a couple of times, we try to have coffee or eat outside when we can.
Hope your summer has been full of fun things as well and that you are ready to face YOUR busy fall, rested and refreshed.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
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!!!!!!
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!!!!!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Repairs finished....sort of.
So finally the repairs are what they called finished in the spare bedroom. True, wall paper has been hung, half of the lights work, one outlet works, part of the floor is still bowed from the leak, which means the baseboards along one wall don't fit. But hey, it is at least now it is fit for guests. I need an attitude adjustment I think. Thanks to Tammy for reminding me that the plumbers in America don't look like Brad Pitt either. So, off to get some liquid attitude adjustment!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Why Can't Everything Work at Once?
Why, oh why can't everything work in this ghastly expensive apartment? Have I been away from America too long? My memory says everything works perfectly there... and when it doesn't, a repairman shows up immediately when called, is perfectly nice and polite, brings appropriate tools, cleans up after himself, and looks like Brad Pitt.
Bring me back to reality, America-dwelling friends!
Bring me back to reality, America-dwelling friends!
Monday, June 15, 2009
It's the Monday following a 3 day weekend. Always hard to get going. The weekend was lovely, the weather warm. Harry and I spent Friday and Saturday on the move, exploring this city of ours.
Friday (the actual holiday,) we went to the Troika mall. Now I've been several times, but Harry has yet to see this mall. So, I figured this was as good a day as any, and Dima is asking for overtime, so he would get that if he worked a holiday. However, a few mintues before Dima was to arrive, I get a phone call from him. The street getting to our street is blocked. He doesn't know why. He tells me where he is parked and we walk down the street and around the corner to where he is parked (maybe 5 minutes away.) We think, well, surely...when we get back from the mall and grocery shopping, the street will be unblocked. But no....several hours (and lots of groceries and misc. items) later, the street getting to our street, has a big truck blocking the path. But Dima hops out of the car, confers with the "police" and soon we are invited to squeeze the car past the truck and get to our street to get home. Whew! We had packed the bags so that in the event that we would not make it down the stree with the car we could carry the perishables in. We are learning......
So, after putting the groceries away, we thought we would wander around and see what was causing the streets to be blocked. As it turned out, the events of the day caused the Moscow government, in it's infinite wisdom, so shut down various streets for the festivities. Never could quite see why our street was blocked, but I've lived her long enough to know that no one really knows.....not even Dima! When I asked him he drew a big "?" in the air and sounded totally disgusted. The walk yeilded nothing really to look at. It was hard to get on Red Square. Can I say that I have lived here TOO long if I am unwilling to stand in a long line to get through security to look at one of the most fascinating places on earth? Well, I have. I just wasn't in the mood for the pushing and shoving, etc. I can go down there ANY time I want! So we wandered back home, stopping for dinner at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants....which is now close to us! It was a hot day and it was fun to sit in the cool shade of the outdoor cafe and watch the world go by.
Saturday, we had a nice, leisurely morning, ended up picking a park on the map and heading out to see what we could see. We went to Sokolniki Park. We saw what they call a Rosaria...a rose garden. The roses are not quite out yet but the peonies and irises, and some bush that smelled alot like honeysuckle were in full bloom. We promised ourselves to go back in a few weeks and hopefully the roses will be out. This was a lovely park full of all sorts of people, biking, rollerblading, riding in a horse drawn carriage, pedaling something that looked like a big tricycle; lots of different modes of transportation. Lots of walkers, like us. Lots of children. They had an amusement park at the end of the park and a place where pensioners were dancing. Lots of fun things to do on a Saturday afternoon.
Friday (the actual holiday,) we went to the Troika mall. Now I've been several times, but Harry has yet to see this mall. So, I figured this was as good a day as any, and Dima is asking for overtime, so he would get that if he worked a holiday. However, a few mintues before Dima was to arrive, I get a phone call from him. The street getting to our street is blocked. He doesn't know why. He tells me where he is parked and we walk down the street and around the corner to where he is parked (maybe 5 minutes away.) We think, well, surely...when we get back from the mall and grocery shopping, the street will be unblocked. But no....several hours (and lots of groceries and misc. items) later, the street getting to our street, has a big truck blocking the path. But Dima hops out of the car, confers with the "police" and soon we are invited to squeeze the car past the truck and get to our street to get home. Whew! We had packed the bags so that in the event that we would not make it down the stree with the car we could carry the perishables in. We are learning......
So, after putting the groceries away, we thought we would wander around and see what was causing the streets to be blocked. As it turned out, the events of the day caused the Moscow government, in it's infinite wisdom, so shut down various streets for the festivities. Never could quite see why our street was blocked, but I've lived her long enough to know that no one really knows.....not even Dima! When I asked him he drew a big "?" in the air and sounded totally disgusted. The walk yeilded nothing really to look at. It was hard to get on Red Square. Can I say that I have lived here TOO long if I am unwilling to stand in a long line to get through security to look at one of the most fascinating places on earth? Well, I have. I just wasn't in the mood for the pushing and shoving, etc. I can go down there ANY time I want! So we wandered back home, stopping for dinner at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants....which is now close to us! It was a hot day and it was fun to sit in the cool shade of the outdoor cafe and watch the world go by.
Saturday, we had a nice, leisurely morning, ended up picking a park on the map and heading out to see what we could see. We went to Sokolniki Park. We saw what they call a Rosaria...a rose garden. The roses are not quite out yet but the peonies and irises, and some bush that smelled alot like honeysuckle were in full bloom. We promised ourselves to go back in a few weeks and hopefully the roses will be out. This was a lovely park full of all sorts of people, biking, rollerblading, riding in a horse drawn carriage, pedaling something that looked like a big tricycle; lots of different modes of transportation. Lots of walkers, like us. Lots of children. They had an amusement park at the end of the park and a place where pensioners were dancing. Lots of fun things to do on a Saturday afternoon.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Ok! After many hours trying to figure out how to get my blog to look like I wanted it to....it happened quite by accident!! But I finally LIKE it...do you? Next step will be to figure out pictures. But I'm going to savor this victory before I once again experience defeat!
And, I know, I said I would be keep this thing updated more, and guess what....cute doesn't help! I still have to make myself do it. It's not like things don't happen in this crazy city we live in. and they are definitely are blog-worthy. And once I sit down, I really like it! But that first step is the hardest, for sure!
Since our return we have had electrical issues....the neighbor's shower leaked onto our wall and caused the lights in the front spare bathroom and spare bedroom. Also SOME of the lights in the living room, dining room and kitchen are affected. Lord knows I do NOT want to see how things are wired behind the walls. What I have seen scares me, and Harry and for sure EE Drew! Like bare wires "insulated" with plaster....which gets wet when the shower next door leaks. We are dealing with our wicked witch of a landlady (Harry calls her Leona Helmsley...the Queen of Mean and she has big lips too! ) I call her a b..... Anyway, she is VERY difficult to deal with and our sweet little Alina hates to do it. I would too, so glad it is Alina's JOB! Progress is slow, and we are looking at visitors beginning of July. So it's enough to raise both Harry's and my blood pressure. We are trying to deal....is there a patron saint for this mess? Maybe St. Jude??
And, I know, I said I would be keep this thing updated more, and guess what....cute doesn't help! I still have to make myself do it. It's not like things don't happen in this crazy city we live in. and they are definitely are blog-worthy. And once I sit down, I really like it! But that first step is the hardest, for sure!
Since our return we have had electrical issues....the neighbor's shower leaked onto our wall and caused the lights in the front spare bathroom and spare bedroom. Also SOME of the lights in the living room, dining room and kitchen are affected. Lord knows I do NOT want to see how things are wired behind the walls. What I have seen scares me, and Harry and for sure EE Drew! Like bare wires "insulated" with plaster....which gets wet when the shower next door leaks. We are dealing with our wicked witch of a landlady (Harry calls her Leona Helmsley...the Queen of Mean and she has big lips too! ) I call her a b..... Anyway, she is VERY difficult to deal with and our sweet little Alina hates to do it. I would too, so glad it is Alina's JOB! Progress is slow, and we are looking at visitors beginning of July. So it's enough to raise both Harry's and my blood pressure. We are trying to deal....is there a patron saint for this mess? Maybe St. Jude??
Friday, April 24, 2009
I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane!
Tomorrow we leave for the States! Woo hoo! I never think too terribly much about going to the States; my Moscow life keeps me busy. But when we are getting close to leaving to go back for a visit, I can hardly stand the wait! Guess that's pretty much my nature! Impatient!
We will be visiting family from the bottom of Texas to the top of Oklahoma! No way around it; we do alot of traveling in our short time back. We begin in Houston; we will be there for a week or so, visiting friends, taking care of appts. and getting some shopping done. We will be meeting Meghan's beau for the first time....they will pick us up at the airport. Imagine what a first impression we will make, "fresh" off a 12 hour flight! Poor guy! Then we go to Oklahoma next weekend, with a overnight stay in Dallas to break up the trip (it was originally to meet Jacob who lives there at the moment, but he is able to come to Houston this weekend .) So we will stay at the Adolphus Hotel (we love old hotels...especially ones with good weekend rates!) and have a nice dinner. Sunday, Harry, Meghan and I will drive...in TWO cars....to Oklahoma City. Meghan is taking a little bit of time off and we will get to see Harry's mom and sisters. Meghan will head back to Austin on Tuesday, and we will head to Ponca City to see Dad & Maxine. I am going to have lunch with a couple of friends there, one I haven't seen in awhile. So I'm excited about that. We will go back to Texas on Friday (May 8) and Harry will return to Moscow. I am going to spend the following week in Tulsa (yes, back up to OK for me!!) with 4 good friends who all used to live in Moscow. One lives in Alaska (we are staying at her place in Tulsa) one is living in Washington DC and two are living in the Houston area. Why are you driving back just to go back 2 days later you might ask?? Well, it is Mother's Day weekend and I simply can't be that close to my kids and not see them on that weekend. Of course, I will only see one kid (Meghan) as Drew is still in Korea and will not make it home when we are there. We are ALL sad about that. So, I will go to Austin (probably), then fly back to Tulsa from Austin, and return on the 15th to Houston and fly out to Moscow on the 15th. The downside....all that extra travel....the upside.....I get to visit alot of friends and family!! I'll come back to Moscow to rest!
We will be visiting family from the bottom of Texas to the top of Oklahoma! No way around it; we do alot of traveling in our short time back. We begin in Houston; we will be there for a week or so, visiting friends, taking care of appts. and getting some shopping done. We will be meeting Meghan's beau for the first time....they will pick us up at the airport. Imagine what a first impression we will make, "fresh" off a 12 hour flight! Poor guy! Then we go to Oklahoma next weekend, with a overnight stay in Dallas to break up the trip (it was originally to meet Jacob who lives there at the moment, but he is able to come to Houston this weekend .) So we will stay at the Adolphus Hotel (we love old hotels...especially ones with good weekend rates!) and have a nice dinner. Sunday, Harry, Meghan and I will drive...in TWO cars....to Oklahoma City. Meghan is taking a little bit of time off and we will get to see Harry's mom and sisters. Meghan will head back to Austin on Tuesday, and we will head to Ponca City to see Dad & Maxine. I am going to have lunch with a couple of friends there, one I haven't seen in awhile. So I'm excited about that. We will go back to Texas on Friday (May 8) and Harry will return to Moscow. I am going to spend the following week in Tulsa (yes, back up to OK for me!!) with 4 good friends who all used to live in Moscow. One lives in Alaska (we are staying at her place in Tulsa) one is living in Washington DC and two are living in the Houston area. Why are you driving back just to go back 2 days later you might ask?? Well, it is Mother's Day weekend and I simply can't be that close to my kids and not see them on that weekend. Of course, I will only see one kid (Meghan) as Drew is still in Korea and will not make it home when we are there. We are ALL sad about that. So, I will go to Austin (probably), then fly back to Tulsa from Austin, and return on the 15th to Houston and fly out to Moscow on the 15th. The downside....all that extra travel....the upside.....I get to visit alot of friends and family!! I'll come back to Moscow to rest!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Happy 25th birthday Meghan!
Wow...it is really hard to believe my oldest child is 25. As everyone knows....time passes quickly! I remember so clearly the day she was born, although I'm not too sure about what happened yesterday. She was 11 days late, our first child....highly anticipated! Did I have a CLUE what was happening, what had happened, what would happen...NO! But I was thrilled beyond words for that blue-eyed, blonde bundle, although I was a bit curious how she wound up with blonde hair (guess that has to be thanks to Mama Fran, who claimed Meghan validated her "blonde" hair!)
I'm so proud of who that infant has become....do I dare to sound obnoxious if I say I'm SO proud of who BOTH my children have become? But this is Meghan's day and I will say that that bundle of joy fufilled all the promise that birth day held...she is beautiful, happy, doing the work God intended for her. Happy Birthday, Sweetie!
Wow...it is really hard to believe my oldest child is 25. As everyone knows....time passes quickly! I remember so clearly the day she was born, although I'm not too sure about what happened yesterday. She was 11 days late, our first child....highly anticipated! Did I have a CLUE what was happening, what had happened, what would happen...NO! But I was thrilled beyond words for that blue-eyed, blonde bundle, although I was a bit curious how she wound up with blonde hair (guess that has to be thanks to Mama Fran, who claimed Meghan validated her "blonde" hair!)
I'm so proud of who that infant has become....do I dare to sound obnoxious if I say I'm SO proud of who BOTH my children have become? But this is Meghan's day and I will say that that bundle of joy fufilled all the promise that birth day held...she is beautiful, happy, doing the work God intended for her. Happy Birthday, Sweetie!
Well, I'm still working on the layout. I definitely am in a bit more over my head on this one. Maybe Meghan or boyfriend Jacob will help me when we get back to the US!
The weather today has turned cold and snowy/rainy. Bummer! I was to Nordic Walk today (our first walk of the spring season) but cancelled. I'm far to bummed by the departure of the lovely spring weather we have been experiencing. And when I called to cancel, Robin told me they might have to cancel once we got out there. So hopefully I just saved myself an unnecessary car ride! I guess the bright side is I can squeeze in one more pot of chili and some cornbread before THAT season is over for awhile.
The weather today has turned cold and snowy/rainy. Bummer! I was to Nordic Walk today (our first walk of the spring season) but cancelled. I'm far to bummed by the departure of the lovely spring weather we have been experiencing. And when I called to cancel, Robin told me they might have to cancel once we got out there. So hopefully I just saved myself an unnecessary car ride! I guess the bright side is I can squeeze in one more pot of chili and some cornbread before THAT season is over for awhile.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Thanks to my young friend Bobbie for straightening out my blog! I think I have a bit of an edge over SOME of my peers when it comes to technology, but nothing at all on the next generation. At any rate my page now appears centered. I still am not thrilled with it so don't be surprised if you come back to a whole new look!!
Easter Sunday was a beautiful day in Moscow! Hints of spring are beginning to appear. Definitely the scent of a Moscow spring is in the air! In most places that would mean flowers....but in Moscow that means paint! Oil paint...pungent oil paint! They paint every metal object. It needs it after a winter of snow and dirt. But you just know to be careful when walking to avoid fences, trash cans, poles, gutters....anything metal. If it is shiny it has probably recently been painted!
After church and breakfast with our church friends, Harry and I decided to walk to the Arbat (our old stomping grounds and still a fun place to go.) There are usually lots of things going on. Well.....did we get a surprise! There were hundreds, probably thousands of people, mostly teenagers and young adults, on the walking street! They were blowing bubbles and dressed crazy, and singing, and dancing...it was wild!! We stopped in one of the souvenir shops, so I asked the girl who was working there and who spoke English, what was this craziness all about. She said that someone had posted a notice on the internet to come to the Arbat, dress crazy, and bring bubbles! Amazing the ability of the internet to spread that message. It was great fun, really. Everyone was happy, not too much beer drinking...just kids having fun! Here is a link to a website with pictures....I didn't have my camera. But no need...ah, the wonders of the internet! http://community.livejournal.com/ru_dreamflash
Easter Sunday was a beautiful day in Moscow! Hints of spring are beginning to appear. Definitely the scent of a Moscow spring is in the air! In most places that would mean flowers....but in Moscow that means paint! Oil paint...pungent oil paint! They paint every metal object. It needs it after a winter of snow and dirt. But you just know to be careful when walking to avoid fences, trash cans, poles, gutters....anything metal. If it is shiny it has probably recently been painted!
After church and breakfast with our church friends, Harry and I decided to walk to the Arbat (our old stomping grounds and still a fun place to go.) There are usually lots of things going on. Well.....did we get a surprise! There were hundreds, probably thousands of people, mostly teenagers and young adults, on the walking street! They were blowing bubbles and dressed crazy, and singing, and dancing...it was wild!! We stopped in one of the souvenir shops, so I asked the girl who was working there and who spoke English, what was this craziness all about. She said that someone had posted a notice on the internet to come to the Arbat, dress crazy, and bring bubbles! Amazing the ability of the internet to spread that message. It was great fun, really. Everyone was happy, not too much beer drinking...just kids having fun! Here is a link to a website with pictures....I didn't have my camera. But no need...ah, the wonders of the internet! http://community.livejournal.com/ru_dreamflash
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