Tuesday June 5, 2007

 

Hey Tuesday!

 

We had a fun day today. We got up and Mary went to the Rynok to get supplies for breakfast and laundry in the sink. I was lazy and read my "Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" (thanks Rob) book. I've already finished "Crusader" Reagan and the Cold War and got through another few books of City of God. I'd like to finish "Teeedy" and get through City of God for the second time (I have been fighting with St. Augustine for several years and he is winning.) before we leave.

 

We had 2 great visits with Daniil today. His new thing is wanting to be carried on his walk around the orphanage grounds. Mary obliges since my back won't permit it. I am getting better each day and able to finally walk without a hitch.

 

During Today's visits we:

Fed the Sobaka (twice)

Played with the Sobaka (almost non-stop)

Played beach ball-volleyball and soccer

Smelled roses, buttercups and pine trees

Tried to break into the steel shed with 3 big old Soviet locks

Wiped noses at least 50 times

Washed hands with Purell almost that many times

Practiced writing ABCs

Made a calendar with important dates for all of us to check off the days til we get home

Emptied and refilled the "backpack of fun" at least 5 times

Counted kopek 3 times

Watched a fire of scrub-brush burn in the yard

Drank a pop

Ate a cookie

Swept the dirt to clean up fuzzys

Watched trolley busses return to the depot (behind the orphanage)

Shared hugs and "kisses all over your whole face"

 

 

After the afternoon visit we visited the University English club and helped the students at a rousing game of Scrabble.

 

Sad news: Our new Peace Corps friend is headed to The Crimea to work at a summer camp on Saturday. We will check with her and see if we can take over her English Club for her for the next couple of weeks. She has made life MUCH easier for us the past week. THANK YOU!

 

We had a yummy dinner at our Café. Mary had a chicken pepper stew and I hade pork with mushrooms, cheese and (sorry to say I liked it) mayonnaise, fried potatoes and a salad with mayonnaise, cheese and tomatoes. It was, perhaps, the best meal during the trip thus far. We feel a little guilty; it was expensive (just under $20). A nice splurge, but we'll get back to thrifty tomorrow!

 

I think I have Mary talked into going back to the salt lake for a little fun in the sun during our downtime tomorrow afternoon. We'll get some street food and sit at the beach for a couple of hours. After out afternoon visit, we are meeting Lera to help with her English.

 

Well, that was our Tuesday. Hope yours was as good!

 

PEACE

 

Jim and Mary