April 12, 2005
Fingerprints, tickets and Sally
We went to the airlines office today to change our tickets, but they didn't have any available seats for Saturday so Sally is going to go home tomorrow after all. She has to work Monday. I got tickets for Tara and me for Sunday; I hope it's not just wishful thinking. We stocked up on groceries for us (don't worry Mom).
We are dealing with our fingerprints and the embassy. They promise to put a rush on this.
Tara is being her sweet, funny and silly self. She is becoming more and more like a two-year-old American--more demanding and persistent. She is also very helpful. Today as I put on my shoes, she ran to the bed and got my sweater and brought it to me. She is walking around with a kitchen towel that she keeps folding to perfection, drawing applause from Sally and me every time. She tucks it under her chin to even out the sides. A household helper! Her laughter is loud and frequent. She does not like to have things taken away from her (who does?)
OK, so due to popular demand (Sally's mother--Aunt Ellen), here's a picture of Sally and Tara!
Posted to
Thanks, Laura, it's sweet! And so are you! I've been taking printouts for my friends to see at dinner, and to the writing group. I'll take this one tonite. They're all excited too!
Good luck with your Sunday flite. Tell Tara to take good care of you. She sounds so capable and efficient! (o;
Have a good flite, Sally. See you soon!
luv-u-all,
me ellen
What can I say mom? I live to make you happy.
Bummed I have to go home but I don't think Laura is going to have any trouble with Tara on the flight. She's such a good girl (Tara)! We just heard John got his fingerprints done so we're (read: I'm) feeling pretty optimistic about L & T getting out of here on Sunday. I thought about coming back with them on Sunday, but I'm just too old to roll out of bed at 5:30am after 7 hour jetlag to go to work Monday. Those days are loooooong gone.
I'm going to miss these guys. Laura is so easy to hang with & Tara is pure gold. It's been a very easy trip, companion-wise. Don't know what they think of me, Laura's finishing my packing for me right now--is that a good sign? Am glad I got to see Kiev and get a feel for Eastern Europe. Explains a lot about my relatives, if nothing else.
Didn't make it to the Lavra, but maybe it's for the best. Maybe I wouldn't have made it OUT of the Lavra and god knows I've sustained enough brain damage after years of...well, years.
Ok, I'll be back on the other side of the blog soon. Oh by the way, can someone tell us how to get the BBC on the tube out here? We can't get satellite cuz John's not on this trip. We figured out that the landlady kept coming over to flirt with him on the last trip & that's why Laura got cable!
(The landlady is actually handy around the place, and visited them for HOURS.) We've seen hide nor hair of her this trip...hmmmmm....
HI; READ YOUR MESSAGE ABOUT SALLY LEAVING EARLY. I AM SURE THINGS WILL BE O-KAY FOR YOU, MAYBE YOU CAN HAVE NATASHA TO HELP YOU. hOPEFULLY THOSE FINGERPRINTS GET THERE ON TIME. THEY COULD RUSH THINGS IF THEY REALLY WANT TO. TARA WILL BE HELPFUL IN SOME WAYS. sO LAURA THINGS WILL GET BETTER. HAVEA SAFE FLIGHT SALLY
lOVE YOU *MOM* granny and auntie
I'm looking at the photo of sally and tara --and no kiddin- that sally is a hottie!
Hey sally --the wiz family appreciates all your help. (Actually Anne and I are thinking of adopting sally when this is all done.)
I am heading to puerto rico for vacation thursday thru sunday of this week -So-I won't be able to see Laura and Tara until Monday--have a safe trip and see you soon!
brother john
Posted by: brother john/alias ice man at April 12, 2005 04:38 PMHey Laura-What's a few more days after this long? This will really give you and little Tara a chance to bond even more before you arrive home. Sally looks a lot like you---except for the antlers above her head. Does anyone else in your family have them?
Posted by: sharon at April 12, 2005 05:05 PMI agree with Sharon - Laura, if you need to stay in Kiev a few more weeks, 20 years from now we will just laugh about it... and the fond memories and the stories to tell in our elder years! Too bad you'll miss the hot tub party with the Landing Strip gang on Saturday.
Tywananeesha, the finger print lady at immigration, said my prints are on the way to the FBI. No worries, I am almost sure I haven't been caught doing anything illegal during the last 15 months.
Baseball practice now…
Love John
Posted by: Mr. Lessnau at April 12, 2005 05:53 PMSally, if you are coming home early and unencumbered with toddler woes, does that mean you are bringing the souvenirs. Laura just hang in there. Austin we miss you over here! John, Mike wants to know if he is supposed to bring Mr. Bubble for the Landing Strip Hot Tub Party. Brother John and Stick Woman, have fun on your trip. Sally did I mention the souvenirs.
Posted by: karen wiz at April 12, 2005 06:06 PMSTOPPPPPP, ALREADY, EVERYBODY! I've got a belly ache from all the belly laffs!
Posted by: Ellen at April 12, 2005 06:29 PMhi everyone,
well, as some wise people said, the waiting is the hardest part, and it sure is a long and winding road. but at least the governments are predictably unpredictable. you will be welcomed home with many outstretched arms whenever you arrive.
i tried to write last night, but one of my children was down the hall, screaming because he had only nursed on one side. the other child was waiting for me quietly at the bottom of the stairs, after a 22 minute tantrum about putting on her shoes. (don't worry, laura, she is four. two year olds don't do that sort of thing.)
there are many positive signs for tara's behavior: she sleeps alot, she eats well, she has self control, she has a good sense of humor, she is already figuring out how to push your buttons... well, maybe that last one is mixed. at any rate, you will soon be home and have the *normal* challenges and rewards of raising a two year old, instead of the abnormal challenges of all these extenuating circumstances.
this has been a great experience for all of us, especially those of us not stuck in the ukraine. thank you, again, for sharing the adventure.
what are you doing about the language barrier with tara?
what a relief it will be to get her home to her butterfly room. there is no place like home.
love,
heidi
ps--i'm sorry sally didn't get to see the catacombs, but good timing on avoiding the falling debris, guys!
Posted by: heidi at April 12, 2005 07:43 PM