Cat in a Bag

What can you say about cute? These cats are a joy everyday! 

 Always crawling onto things or into things, all curious and innocent. 

We do love them.

Winter Wonderland

Snow(Monday) on snow (Wednesday)... and my first day out because I was sick with a cold!

 I was so happy to walk in this wonderland!

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,

Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Celebrating the Emperor's birthday

The Japanese always have nice receptions! Maybe I think this because I love sushi and tempura, but tonight as I listened to the Japanese national anthem and heard the tempura sizzling in the background I thought how lucky I am to be here for special event!!  I do so appreciate their humble and gracious culture! Thanks Japan for a very nice evening and happy birthday to your Emperor.  

His birthday is Dec 23 and he will be 79.

This is my friend Eri and she is in her winter Kimono.  She told me the flower is one they see in the winter.  The ladies tend to hesitate to wear the Japanese traditional costume because it takes so long to get on and is not comfortable, but it is so beautiful we love to see it!

Oh and I can't forget to mention the plum wine... it is a dessert sweet wine and so so good (mom you would love it! I'll have to bring you some!)  Below new friends from UK and Pakistan.

First Snow

This year I haven't actually thought too much about the snow coming.  Kinda hoping it held off until after we got moved and that would be OK with me.  So it sure did surprise me today when the white stuff started falling.   But what a pleasant surprise.  It's just kinda magical.  All the dark gray, dead and dirty things begin to come alive and are white and beautiful again.  I've never watched a big city from above while it snowed and it was quite fun.  Cars crawled.  People walked with umbrellas.  Nothing seemed to stop, just slow down a little.  The snowflakes got big and heavy.  I opened the window and they seemed to just float in the air, not really be falling.  Maybe that's what happens at 11 stories high.  At one point I felt I was in the cloud of snow itself.  The first snow of the year is always exciting and special.  Now I wonder how long it will stay here on the ground with us.  For now, as always, it is bringing good cheer for me.

When the kids came home they talked of how the traffic was indeed worse than usual, and some still driving too fast.  Hills so slick they had to turn around and go another way.  You can see my last picture here the cars dangerously sliding.  Seth saw quite of few fender benders.  He said people driving too fast in the slush and on being able to stop in time.  Thankfully they all made it home safely.

Your a Mean One

One of our top 5 Christmas movies (and it is really hard to narrow these down!) would have to be How the Grinch Stole Christmas! This year our church rewrote the ending Dr Suess style to be, well a little more accurate in explaining the Grinch's transformation! And John had the privilege of playing the Grinch. He was a great grinchy ole grinch! His expressions were excellent and on cue! His lines projected so very well! And we all just had a really fun time! And, Yes I made the costume.  Which is is quite amazing how I found the little pieces of Grinchy fur, but that is another story.

So for now though here is our version of how this Christmas classic ends...  Big Thanks to Mr Marcus Wolf the Children's pastor who put this all together!
-----

So he  hurried back down where the Whos sang their song

“Don’t you all understand? All your Christmas is gone.”

“But there’s songs in your mouths and there’s smiles on your faces.

I thought you’d be blubbering Who basket cases.”

Then he took off his hat to remove his disguise

“Why, you’re not Santy Claus,” Cindy Lou said surprised.

“But you’re welcome to join us.  You’re not even late.   

It’s Christmas, and even a Grinch celebrates.

It’s true there’s no eggnog, no holly, no wreath. 

No star on the tree and no presents beneath.

But it’s not Christmas stockings and cookies that please us

We’re singing because it’s the birthday of Jesus

“Where’s Jesus? “  the Grinch looked around for the kid

Who could cause all the village to sing like they did.

And the Whos would have shown him a picture or two 

But the old Grinch had stolen their manger scenes too.

“Jesus is God,” said a Who near the table.

“But he came as a baby.  He was born in a stable.”

“Let’s sing it,” one said, “That would be atmospheric.”

“Just listen along to the music and lyrics.”

Angels from the Realms of Glory

Wing your flight o’er the Earth

Ye who sang Creation’s story

Now proclaim the Messiah’s birth

Come and Worship

Come and Worship

Come and Worship

Worship Christ the Newborn King

Shepherds in the  Fields abiding

Watching over the flocks by night

God with man is Now residing

Yonder shines the infant light

Chorus

Saints before the altar bending

Watching long in hope and fear

Suddenly the Lord  descending

In his temple shall appear

Chorus 2x

And then the true meaning of Christmas came through,
The Grinch heard of the Savior of all from the Whos.
And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say
That the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day!

The new life inside caused the Grinch to repent

And back to the top of Mount Crumpet he went

He rode into Whoville. He brought back their toys.
He brought back their floof to the Who girls and boys.

He brought back their snoof and their tringlers and fuzzles,
Brought back their pantookas, their dafflers and wuzzles.
He brought everything back, all the food for the feast!
And he, he himself, the Grinch carved the roast beast!

Welcome Christmas. Bring your cheer,
Cheer to all Whos, far and near.
Christmas Day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to grasp.

Welcome Christmas while we stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand.

Christmas joy will always rise
As long as we have Jesus Christ.

International Women's Club of Kyiv Annual Charity Bazaar

We went to the IWCK Bazaar today!   We were entertained by local performers and dancers while we shopped all the many booths from all over the world.  My wares are from Czech Republic, Pakistan, Korea, Hungary, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Japan, and Ukraine!  We had authentic Hungarian Goulash for lunch.  Clara met up with a friend and Seth enjoyed volunteering at the children's corner with his friends.  We had a wonderful time and I am already looking forward to going and maybe even helping with this bazaar next year.  All proceeds go to local charities!  Thanks IWCK for a great time!

Morning after

Yes my traditional morning after Thanksgiving breakfast includes pumpkin pie!  I look forward to it.  Kicks off the Christmas season in just the right way for me.  I have my usual egg and tea but the pie takes the place of my Oreos for a few days.  No one else in the family LOVES pumpkin pie so there is often plenty of pie for several breakfast treats!   Delicious Thanksgiving!  And let the Christmas season begin!

Hot Chocolate with a hint of orange

And we treated ourselves to such delights as Lviv biscuits, almond biscuits, Lviv cake (chocolate of course!) and Cake Makivnyk (this was poppy seed cake). This hot chocolate with orange was the best I've had in a very long time.  But the Lviv Hot Chocolate had cinnamon in it and was very, very nice as well.  So fun as we all shared and tried different things together.  Also I want to try the hot tea with chocolate!  Next time!

Such a nice day - here we have Lithuania, Algeria, France, Austria, Canada, and Czech Republic.  

We went many places - walked the Spoosck (local street where souvenir and traditional Ukrainian gifts are sold) went to a fabric shop, a leather store (handbags!), this Lviv chocolate cafe, and the smalll museum of the city of Kyiv!  A big thanks to my friend and fellow ballet lover, Francette for planning this lovely time together with ladies!

Keep it level

If you can't tell what the picture above is, it is a pizza box that was carried vertically, literally, and up 11 flights of stairs.  Let me start from the beginning of this little ditty as it is one to remember.

It was a Tuesday and Domino's Pizza is often our faire for this evening as the weekly special is 2 for 1.  I was busy all day with various things,  Joey is out of town and I had planned to have Seth go get the pizza while I cooked the veggies at home.  Dinner done!  I sent Seth on his way, started the spinach and sat with John on the couch to help him finish his homework.  A few minutes later the power goes out.  Now sitting in the dark I reflect.  "Good thing I'm not cooking dinner tonight" I say out loud and I figure I better call Seth and tell him on his return he may have to walk 11 flights of stairs!  Luckily Seth had made it down the elevator and was well on his way!  

  I briefly remember many spring nights of fun in the dark as a child with thunder storms pulling down power lines.  We wait patiently playing around with our phones using them as flashlights and I  tell John and Reuben that when I was really young we used candles, sometimes because we simple couldn't find the flashlights or because the batteries had run down!  It occurs to me Clara is still out as she had stayed after school to get some help with her Russian homework.  So I try to reach her but her phone battery has died!  Hum.. she'll have to figure it out.  We'll see how good her Russian is I guess.  

I then call Seth again and he is making his way up and says the door lady has given him the code to the stairwell door.  We meet him on the inside of the door smelling the delicious pizza and now realizing the door only opens from the outside and the code he has is not working.  Wow.  Now what.  We try several variations of the code.  Our neighbor shows up on Seth's side of the door and speaking Russian really offers nothing new.  Reuben tries taking the lock off from our side.  Nothing is working.  Feeling a little trapped, I tell Seth.. "guess your gonna have to go back downstairs and tell her it isn't working and see what else can be done, but just leave the pizza... you don't want to carry it down and up again".  

As I return in the dark to the couch and the house is cooling off with no power, and the phones are dead and the internet down and my phone on its last 30% at the end of the day and my husband out of town, and 2 kids totally out of reach, I realize how helpless I am.   So I call a friend.  Just in case I explain to her if my phone dies here is the situation.  Please come check on me if you don't hear from me I ask!  She understood.  

Meanwhile, Seth goes down and is handed a set of keys and pointed to another stairwell (oh, another stairwell, really? I had no idea!)  He climbs to the 11th floor once again but there is no key hole.  He punches in the same key code given for the other door but to no avail.  This stairwell was pitch dark by the way and it is a good thing his phone was working as its light guided his way.  We chat for a few seconds as not to drain my phone unnecessarily but I understand where he is.  

On his way back down he runs into a couple construction workers and the three make it down to the 6th floor and cross over to the first stairwell.  About this time the power returns.  Seth now in the original stairwell returns to the 11th floor to get our pizza.  Then he and our neighbor go 2 flights down  and finding an open door head in and up the elevator to our place.  Clara actually beats him to the door just a few minutes before.  She had arrived and not wanting to climb the stairs, sat in the chair in the entry.  She says she sat about 5- 10 minutes and when the power came on she took the elevator (anyone know its the sitters not the circles that get the parking spots?)  

But poor Seth, we  quickly do the math and all told he climbed 27 flights of stairs, about 540 steps, and  while I sat helplessly on the couch.   But we all kept a level head about us.  The pizza however, well, warm enough but not quite kept level and a little bit of a mess in the box.  A night to remember. 

By the way, the key Seth was handed actually was to a door on the inside of the second stairwell that then lead to a hall to the door to the stairwell.  The key was useless to him on the outside.  And it was a good thing he had not gotten this stairwell door open as it was blocked by heavy construction materials that would have fallen on him.  Lord keep us safe here in Kyiv.   

Saturday Traffic Update

This morning I took Reuben to basketball practice at the school, and what took me just under and hour to drive yesterday took me only 20 minutes today. The beauty of it though is I don't have to go back out to pick him up! He can take public transportation (bus to metro, then a short walk) home! And will be home in just under an hour! The best part I don't have to worry about him driving at 16 and yet he has independence to go to and fro throughout he city where he needs or wants! One nice advantage to city living in a place that has a metro system and public transportation!

Today's Traffic

Just a snapshot of where I sat for awhile today! I posted yesterday on FB that I felt very American as I had driven 3 times in 2 days and was going to drive again today! Lets see, where have I been-- Embassy compound, orthodontist, school, vet-- all places we walked or metroed to in Moscow. But it wasn't until today that I hit the traffic really. It took me about an hour to get about 2 kilometers. But this can be expected any day of the week and especially on Friday! This is why we didn't own a car the 2 years we lived in Moscow. But in Moscow the public transportation was massive, efficient, and reliable and could get you to or at least near any place in the city you needed to be and in good time. Rush hour the metro was quite crowded but still doable. I actually mistakenly (lost track of time) took my mom and dad(with walker), and Aunt Clara on the metro during rush hour in Moscow and lost my mom---but that is another story! But we found her and made our way. The metro rush hour here in Kyiv is a traffic jam of its own. A sea of stinky sweaty tired people inching their way from platform to platform. Squeezing even closer together into trains holding your breath until that door slides open again and the sea rearranges itself only to hold your breath again for the next stop. All the while carefully protecting your bag so not to be pic-pocketed. It is better to avoid all means of transportation at rush hours.  Given the choice in Moscow I preferred the metro no question! Here I prefer to drive!

Skyping Fun with Big Sis Mary

We all enjoy spending time with Mary on skype when we can!  With the time change it is often hard to find the time.  This skype session included some interesting effects all on their own!  And what was funny was when she would wave her hand in front of her face it would disappear!  It was so interesting I started taking screen shots and now am really glad I did!  Two of the shots seem Picaso'ish.  The other more of a Phantom of the Opera look!  And now I'm really glad I have one of her sweet smile too.  Miss you honey!

Welcome to Ukraine

This is the first of several posts I think. Today we noticed the right rear tire on our car was low so pulled into a gas station to get it pumped up. This bike pump is what they had to help us. Welcome to Ukraine.

Rememberance Day

This nice picture was taken by my Canadian friends... thanks so much.

Rapunzel

 Where in the world is Mary?  On stage of course!  Playing Rapunzel. 

Thanks Grammy, Aunt Karin, Joanna, Aunt Terry and Fay for cheering her on and posting these pictures for me!  and we get a peek at her new friend Johnny.  

Ukrainian-Korean Friendship Concert

This evening the Koreans celebrated 20 years of diplomatic relations here in Ukraine by hosting their 3rd Annual Friendship concert at the National Philharmonic here in Kyiv.  This was a yummy evening of bogogi and other delicious national dishes!  After all the tasty food we proceeded upstairs into the concert hall and were entertained by Sumi Jo a world renown Korean Soprano, and Igor Borko, also well-accomplished, a Ukrainian Tenor.  In addition - Il-Hwan Bai (cello), Won Kim (pianist), Yoonhee Kim (Violin- only 20 years old absolutely incredible!)  These musicians were quite amazing!  Below the Korean Attache and his wife whom we look forward to getting to know better!  He is a golfer so I imagine he and Joey will enjoy some time on the green this spring!  

Birthday Candy!

Thanks Grammy!

On the go. Boots have arrived.

And just in time as temperatures are to dip down below freezing this weekend!

And the blog is on the go!

Don't think I've posted just yet that I love my I phone! Well I do! Just got it on my way to Kyiv. It has a little bit of a learning curve but I'm on my way! Just found this app to post to my blog with my phone!!! Yeh! I've spent the morning trying not to get bogged down with catching up the blog! And now I can post on the go! So here it is! I still hope to go back and catch up this last year but hopefully can move forward better at the same time!

Swan Lake

As promised, a trip to see a ballet!  

At the International Women's Club of Kyiv (IWCK) I had won 2 tickets to see Swan Lake.  It was difficult to decide who to take.  When Joey found out he wanted to go.  It was John's birthday and he likes to dance and I think he would enjoy seeing something like this.  But ultimately it was Seth who won out as I had promised him, back in Moscow, to take him to a ballet and and opera.  I mistakenly took him to 2 operas.  Oops.  Well this makes up for it I hope!   He was dressed in his suit with a cool shirt unbuttoned and wore his black converse tennis shoes, looking way too cool!  He first words at intermission were priceless to me.  "Believe it or not, mom, the music reminds me of Star Wars" the percussionist said!  And as I thought about it I could totally hear and understand what he was talking about!  But only a teenage boy would put those sounds together and then articulate those words in a sentence. Oh how I love my teenagers!

Happy Birthday JOHN

No more single digits in our house!  He's 10!  All my babies are growing up.  

But they will always be my babies!

Not feeling settled this little bday party kinda gotta away from me.  Thankfully John is understanding and easygoing.  Daddy came up with the idea to take a few boys to the water park and this became the party.  We originally thought we would do this on Saturday afternoon but one of the boys could not come so we changed it to Friday night.  And boy were we glad we did!  We nearly had the pool to ourselves.  And this made for a wonderful time!  On the day as a family we took a walk down Kreshatak Surprise and found remote control cars that were really fun to watch along with some soccer exhibitions.  Nice!  Happy Birthday big boy!!  Just remember you will always be my baby.

I won, I won the golden ticket!

Not feeling great today I wasn't sure I would make it to this International Women's Club meeting.  Even told a friend I probably wouldn't go but would get dressed and go for a walk and see where I ended up.    She wasn't sure if she would go either as she didn't have a babysitter set up.  I didn't really know where the hotel was exactly.  But I did take my walk.  And as I walked I felt a little better and knew it wouldn't hurt to drop in late so I did.  Guess who was there after all!  My friends husband came home for lunch which meant she could go.  I wasn't too late to get my number in the door prize drawing and guess what else!  Yes, I won.  I won 2 tickets to the Kyiv Opera House to see the ballet Swan Lake.  Sometimes it pays to get dressed!  Today was one of those times!

John's twin?

Remarkable yes?  

Fish Pedicure

Yes I did.  Joey and Clara did too!  It was a little strange and a little tickly and not the same as a good ole American pedicure but an experience the three of us enjoyed.  I got some flack on FB from the animal lovers... and from some who felt it dangerous to my health... but I can think of worse things to expose myself to for sure!  Just looking at the picture makes my feet tickle a little.

Sunday Night Stroll

Kreshatik, the main street in the center of the city.  It is closed every weekend.  And for what we never know so we call it the Kreshatik surprise.  Sometimes it is sporting events.  Sometimes it is closed for nothing like this night.  But for whatever the reason it is closed it is fun to walk in the middle of the street!

Welcome Borscht

...and thank you Valya.  I look forward to our times together and to your Borscht!!

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

By now you know I am living with what is in my suitcase and that happens to be 17 pairs of new shoes.  Yes.  At the end of my tour in Moscow I had either worn out or realized that I just needed a few more choice, comfortable shoes to go to all the upcoming receptions and dinners etc.  So I set out this summer to buy what I anticipated I needed.  I bought walking shoes, I bought several pair of nice heels with support, I bought a pair of tennis shoes to go white water rafting in because I didn't have any other shoes I might want to ruin, and 2 days before I left for Kyiv I as at Aunt Terry's house and she had bought about 15 pairs of Liz Claiborne shoes on a yard sale.  She said take your pick!  And so I did and on top of all the shoes I had bought I now had 17 to be exact.

Now in an effort to distract myself from my current situation and disappointments... I am focused on my shoes and began to post them on Facebook (Sept 5 - Oct 18).  It was quite entertaining to my friends there so I will share them with you here!

Pair #1 from Talbots clearance.  These are beauties and I love the rich color along with the classic style

 Pair #2 from Talbots as well but a little less dressy and classic but very comfortable!

 #3 Talbots again - and cute as ever.  But terrible blisters!  Hum not sure what I'll do with these.

 #4 Target, bought to go white water rafting and they survived to tell about it.  Really comfy and cute.

 #5 Marshalls.  Love the vintage style and color!  

 #6 Walking shoes!  Walked the park next to the Embassy in these and then changed to pair 

 #7 & 8 Marshalls. These are practical with just enough height that I had to get them in black and red.

# 9 Now this pair of Borne and so cushy!

#10 classic open toe black but so high!  so fresh! and # 11- 16 summer collection most are Liz Claiborne bought on a yard-sale by Aunt Terry.  Thanks Aunt Terry!  The matching gold and coral are from Talbots... and so comfortable!  But none will I be able to wear until spring as the weather is quickly turning cold.

 # 17 - Liz Claiborne.  I started with red and ended with red.  These are a little lower and darker with the black heel. You can never have too many red shoes right Dorothy?   Stay tuned for the boots coming.  I had to order them because I'm freezing and we won't get our things for awhile.