February 12, 2005
Old stories, Lassie Come Home
Weekends in Kiev would definitely be a lot more interesting and fun in the summer. We are trying to fill our time in spite of the cold. We wish we would have brought more DVDs because we are running out and we only have Russian language television and BBC. But how many times can they dwell on Prince Charles and Camilla's plans to wed???!
We visited the little girl this morning and took her outside for once because it's about 32 degrees here. They put layers upon layers on this poor child. Orphanages are known for this. She had a hat on top of a hat with a hood over it, four layers of clothes AND a big, heavy coat, all topped off with a bright yellow scarf tied tightly around her neck. This poor thing could hardly walk without toppling over. She lasted about 15 minutes out there before she had enough. She was so bundled up that she couldn't reach her mouth to put a raisin in it.
Inside, she played with us again. A real cutie.
So. Sigh. We hang out. And hang out some more. We try to entertain each other when we see that the other is slipping. John and I start sentences with each other that begin much like this: "Did I tell you the story about when I was in fifth grade and ..." "YES. You told me that one."
So we wait til Monday for the process to continue. We try to find things to do. These are the difficult times during the trip. We met a couple from New York today, they are working with Natasha's friend. They must return to their region on Monday, which is about a 3- hour train trip. We still feel quite fortunate to be assigned to the orphanage in the big city. They were very nice, they can sure talk!
John says he's ready to escape this place. He says he will wrap his feet in bath towels and walk over the Alps to Switzerland to try to get out, like Lassie. I'm not even sure if that is geographically correct but at this point it doesn't matter.
Posted by Laura at February 12, 2005 10:55 AM
Posted to
Poor little bundled darling! I guess the bright side is that they certainly keep them cozy and warm. That was my thought when I saw her very first picture. My grandmotherly reaction was: "oh, good, they have long sleeves and tights on with the dress. Such good care!" But now we see the other side. They must be scared silly that one will catch cold and pass it around. Once burned, (or frozen) twice shy! (Love, Aunt Ellen -- hang in there!)
Posted by: Ellen at February 12, 2005 03:24 PMLaura and john: Glad you got to take the cute little one outside today(sat). Before you know , you will be coming home.John is sure giving her attention. She really likes it.
I read all the comments, so interesting.
Everyone is so anxious to know everyday story. your cousins, Sal, Heidi and Pam are really great. Keeping you in good spirts. Your big sister is doing a great job with Austin. Tonight is Basketball game with Mike. Caroline and Austin are having fun. great cousins
Love MOM
Well, John, if you're running out of funny stories to hear about Laura, I've got a few. But Laura's Mom is reading this often, so I better curtail the urge! Cute pictures of John and "Little Girl". He can take lessons from Tom when he returns how to spoil females (excluding the wife, of course) Tom suggests going to Target and buying the game "Risk" to help pass the days away. Hang in there--you are in the home stretch!! Think of this as a second honeymoon without beautiful weather getting in the way of romance! Have fun with this terrific adventure!!! We all miss you.
Posted by: Sharon & Tom at February 12, 2005 05:07 PMhi--
how much longer will you be there? sorry you are at loose ends. how about visiting the undergound mall for some board games, or at least some cards. or maybe a really hard jigsaw. i'm glad the important things are falling into place, though. :)
hh
I feel your pain. When I was doing genealogical research in Poland is not exactly non-stop exciting stuff. It can be grueling. Hurry up and wait. But the people are GREAT...the pay off is terrific. Just like this will be. You're only human. It's a Quickening! You're in labor, waiting for your child to come!
Austin really wants to know the little girl's name. He can't put a name to her face and it frustrates him. We watched Monsters Inc last night and so we thought about calling the little girl "Boo." Austin can teach her how to say "kitty!"
All is well.
You guys are very funny, I was in stitches reading about your boredom -- "Did I tell you about the time..." and escape fantasies. Vika is very cute! What a doll! I know you guys must miss Austin tons and he you. Hurry back. Things aren't the same around here without you. Karl is a taskmaster.
Posted by: Lenny at February 15, 2005 12:51 PM