Ok Manette, I hear and I Obey...

So, seeing this comment from my friend Manette back in America about not posting enough on the blog, it got me to thinking that I probably should write a lot more. Trouble is, when things go along without a ripple, I tend to not write anything. I guess no news is good news, as the old adage states. In honor of Manette, I am writing 2 blog entrys back to back, so she will be comforted by my electronic presence. Here you are, my friend.

On January 19th I found myself with my 9th form English Club students down at the lake, watching people go into the cold water for "baptism". It was Orthadox Epiphany, which signals the end of the Christmas season here. It must have been 20 degrees this day and I was impressed by the number of people wading slowly into the area where the cross was. The cross was made of wood and was adorned with greenery. The people would go in alone or sometimes with their small children, stand at the intersection of the cross, and dip themselves 3 times. When the ritual was completed, they ran like crazy out of the freezing river! One of my students is seen here taking the plunge.

January 19-Orthodox Epiphany

Miss Mouse is thriving. We are very happy together here in Novomoskovsk. She has no way of knowing that she could be living outside, rather then inside, of this apartment. She loves hanging out on the balcony when it snows and scares the crap out of me when she walks across the railing. We are 5 stories up and it's a long way down.  For those of you who have ever lived with cats, you know those moments when you can't locate them anywhere? You look everywhere...in closets, in the tub, under the tub, and in drawers, all to no avail. (I live in a 2 room apartment here folks...) So someone tell me, why is it that everytime I lose Miss Mouse I forget to look...up?

On top of the Coat Rack



I lost her on this day as well.....

 Laundry Bag Kitty




One more thing I'd like to mention. I had a hair cut when I got home and decided not to color it. I had a few incidents with hair color in Ukraine so I thought I would just let it be. So, here I am, officially salt and pepper, and I actually quite like it!