Hello,
Sarah spent the afternoon and part of the evening at the meeting, not really court, about housekeeper/child care person’s complaints. In the end it was all resolved. Sarah says, “I feel so hurt by it because I thought we were treating her ok. For some reason she thinks I should find another job for her, but I can’t do that.”
“Did you learn anything from this?” I wanted to know.
“Yes,” she adamantly stated, “If I hire a worker in another country I must find out all of the rules and regulations.”
As it turned out the labor office had not been told that there was a contract involved that both Jane and the Padres had signed. That certainly made a difference in the outcome since Sarah had not deviated from the contract. She did add, “It would apparently have been better not to have fired her, but the lawyer recommended that action.”
On the home front, Alexandria has been sick. She has a runny nose, cough and low fever. She sat quietly with me for a bit of the day yesterday. In the evening her temp was about 100.5 F. Today Lexi has been busy all morning long. She still feels warm, seldom coughs, and the nose is still productive.
I am cleaning some, washing dishes, changing diapers, hanging out diapers, looking at magazines, and reading a little.
Kenyans can work very hard. I looked in the lot next door and saw five guys shoveling dirt into a big dump truck with a rack that was way over their heads. They would pull their shovels back for maximum upward thrust. Most of the dirt would go in the truck, but the sides were getting coated. Even though I could not see it, a pile must have been growing on the ground because one guy went closer to the truck. Another guy hardly ever tossed a shovelful. All around the world there are those who work less than others. Hard to think about how fast all of this would go with the proper machine, but then five guys would be out of a job.
We saw more manual labor in Slovakia, but after three years back in the US I had forgotten about it.
Paula
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
First Day
Lexi greeted me at the airport, but wanted to keep a little space between us at first. This morning she was calling for Granny, happily sitting in my lap, and looking at magazines. I brought some National Geographics and they are a hit. Her vocabulary and understanding have grown. Learning is an amazing thing.
At noon a distraught Sarah called to tell me, "Jane (their child care housekeeper) has accused me, before the labor ministery, of being unfair. A woman named Nancy and a lawyer will come and talk to Jane this afternoon."
Nerves of steel are not my strong suit. It took an effort, but I got to the late afternoon. When the people came they invited me to sit in to see what happens. Lexi clearly knew that something was wrong, coming to me without invitation, sitting on my lap, and keeping very quiet. I was rather surprised that she did not go to Jane with whom she has a close long term relationship. They mostly spoke KSwahili, but body language gives some signals. They did tell me that they offered Jane some money, but she refused it. Jane was fired on the spot.
Monday Sarah will go before the ministry with the supportive presence of the lawyer who feels that it will not be difficult for Sarah, but we are not as calm in this house as we could be.
I have become chief babysitter and house cleaner. Jetlag is taking a back seat. It was nice for me that Friday was my first day on the job so I could spend a weekend with Sarah home. We have managed to gather things that will be shipped out on Wednesday. I know that toys will be slim for Lexi, but I think she manages to entertain herself quite well with whatever is at hand.
Paula
This computer leaves Wednesday so this could be my last missive until I am back in the US.
At noon a distraught Sarah called to tell me, "Jane (their child care housekeeper) has accused me, before the labor ministery, of being unfair. A woman named Nancy and a lawyer will come and talk to Jane this afternoon."
Nerves of steel are not my strong suit. It took an effort, but I got to the late afternoon. When the people came they invited me to sit in to see what happens. Lexi clearly knew that something was wrong, coming to me without invitation, sitting on my lap, and keeping very quiet. I was rather surprised that she did not go to Jane with whom she has a close long term relationship. They mostly spoke KSwahili, but body language gives some signals. They did tell me that they offered Jane some money, but she refused it. Jane was fired on the spot.
Monday Sarah will go before the ministry with the supportive presence of the lawyer who feels that it will not be difficult for Sarah, but we are not as calm in this house as we could be.
I have become chief babysitter and house cleaner. Jetlag is taking a back seat. It was nice for me that Friday was my first day on the job so I could spend a weekend with Sarah home. We have managed to gather things that will be shipped out on Wednesday. I know that toys will be slim for Lexi, but I think she manages to entertain herself quite well with whatever is at hand.
Paula
This computer leaves Wednesday so this could be my last missive until I am back in the US.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Bus and Plane
Hello,
Someone asked me if people on the bus smelled. I replied, “No, at least I did not notice it.”
This last time one of the people sitting in front of me did have some noticeable body odor, fortunately they got off in less than an hour.
On the plane someone in my vicinity kept passing smelly gas. It seemed to stop after a while, or I had just become immune to it by that time.
On the last plane I was seated between two men. They both took two armrests so I was without, but that was not a serious problem. It is strange to sit between strangers for eight hours. Not really my idea of a good time. That is when I missed Leroy. Walking around the airports is one way that I pass time while waiting for a flight, without Leroy or other travel companions that was more difficult because I like to leave my things and walk light and free. I just got up and walked in place as well as doing some more inconspicuous stretches.
Boarding has changed. No more calling rows and having the back fill first. People with children, anyone who might have trouble getting aboard, and first class went first. After that it was all the rest. There was such a big line that I waited awhile. I like to stand up as long as I can since the sit will be hours. I visited a bit with another woman who was more to the end of the line. She had such glistening white teeth that I suddenly became embarrassed about my not such pristine teeth. Smiling was of short duration and not as broad as usual. I felt like someone who has been chewing betel nuts and I needed to cover my mouth to hide the stains. I checked in the mirror here and my teeth do not look too bad.
In Amsterdam they still called rows, but I personally think most went ahead of that time. This was a 747 with two doors so they split us in the middle of the ramp to go to the front or back of the plane. I sat fairly close to the front next to the stairway to the upper level.
Expounding loudly was the providence of a man behind me. He hardly paused for breath. He talked about half an hour to forty-five minutes. While he was talking it seemed there were a lot of others talking with greater volume than usual. Perhaps they needed to talk loud to be heard or maybe they felt secure hiding behind his discourse. I am not sure what country he was from, but I do not think it was a European language that he was using. Generally it seems that Americans are the loud people, but this proves that someone else also shares the podium.
The people sitting directly behind me would get up frequently or just shift in their seat. I know this because they would use the back of my seat for balance or leverage. When I was awake that was not too disturbing, but it jostled me awake more than once. Sleeping on a plane is only done when tiredness demands that my brain revive a bit. So even to get 15 minutes is a lot of time. Surprisingly I was not tired when we got home at about 8:00, but of course that is noon for my internal clock. All in all I feel fairly good. Truly I got here with the minimum of fuss. No lost luggage, no missed flight, no delayed flights what could be easier? Matter transfer is what Leroy thinks we need.
Paula
Someone asked me if people on the bus smelled. I replied, “No, at least I did not notice it.”
This last time one of the people sitting in front of me did have some noticeable body odor, fortunately they got off in less than an hour.
On the plane someone in my vicinity kept passing smelly gas. It seemed to stop after a while, or I had just become immune to it by that time.
On the last plane I was seated between two men. They both took two armrests so I was without, but that was not a serious problem. It is strange to sit between strangers for eight hours. Not really my idea of a good time. That is when I missed Leroy. Walking around the airports is one way that I pass time while waiting for a flight, without Leroy or other travel companions that was more difficult because I like to leave my things and walk light and free. I just got up and walked in place as well as doing some more inconspicuous stretches.
Boarding has changed. No more calling rows and having the back fill first. People with children, anyone who might have trouble getting aboard, and first class went first. After that it was all the rest. There was such a big line that I waited awhile. I like to stand up as long as I can since the sit will be hours. I visited a bit with another woman who was more to the end of the line. She had such glistening white teeth that I suddenly became embarrassed about my not such pristine teeth. Smiling was of short duration and not as broad as usual. I felt like someone who has been chewing betel nuts and I needed to cover my mouth to hide the stains. I checked in the mirror here and my teeth do not look too bad.
In Amsterdam they still called rows, but I personally think most went ahead of that time. This was a 747 with two doors so they split us in the middle of the ramp to go to the front or back of the plane. I sat fairly close to the front next to the stairway to the upper level.
Expounding loudly was the providence of a man behind me. He hardly paused for breath. He talked about half an hour to forty-five minutes. While he was talking it seemed there were a lot of others talking with greater volume than usual. Perhaps they needed to talk loud to be heard or maybe they felt secure hiding behind his discourse. I am not sure what country he was from, but I do not think it was a European language that he was using. Generally it seems that Americans are the loud people, but this proves that someone else also shares the podium.
The people sitting directly behind me would get up frequently or just shift in their seat. I know this because they would use the back of my seat for balance or leverage. When I was awake that was not too disturbing, but it jostled me awake more than once. Sleeping on a plane is only done when tiredness demands that my brain revive a bit. So even to get 15 minutes is a lot of time. Surprisingly I was not tired when we got home at about 8:00, but of course that is noon for my internal clock. All in all I feel fairly good. Truly I got here with the minimum of fuss. No lost luggage, no missed flight, no delayed flights what could be easier? Matter transfer is what Leroy thinks we need.
Paula
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Safe arrival in Nairobi
Hello,
I feel quite awake now even though I only slept in cat naps on the last flight. I sat by men all the time, but as I told Leroy none of them were as friendly and helpful as he is.
More later. This connection is slow and strange things happen as whole sentences disappear.
Paula
I feel quite awake now even though I only slept in cat naps on the last flight. I sat by men all the time, but as I told Leroy none of them were as friendly and helpful as he is.
More later. This connection is slow and strange things happen as whole sentences disappear.
Paula
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Singing Toys
Hello,
Raising children is certainly more spontaneous these days. It seems that every toy I touch will sing to me. I must listen to it to the end as many can not be turned off. Picking them up and searching for the off button just encourages going to new heights of grandeur. Is silence bad for babies and toddlers? My children suffered in silence.
Why go back to Kenya so soon? Son-in-law, Stephen has come back to the US to look for a job. Sarah’s job will end on May 5th. May 6th Sarah, Alexandria, and I will get on a plane to come back to the US. Traveling with a 20 month old is challenging especially when the travel time is greater than 21 hours. I am making this trip so I can be entertaining, watching, and holding help.
Leaving today at 3:00 is not making me nervous because I have been on this very same flight before. Also, I have had time to visit with Brian, Jen, and Sophia again this morning. Hugs are rampant. Including one that caused Sophia and I to bump heads hard enough to push my glasses into my face leaving a bruise behind. At least Leroy is not around so no one can suspect that he is beating me.
I am pleased to take a suitcase for Sarah to use. With the loaded carry-on in there a tote bag is all that I require on the plane. That means that if my luggage does not make it I will borrow clothes from Sarah. It is nice to have a similar sized person at the destination who will share clothes. Unfortunately her feet are much smaller than mine. This morning when I put on make-up I found that I did not bring any blush. Maybe I will just have to work on blushing.
Paula
Raising children is certainly more spontaneous these days. It seems that every toy I touch will sing to me. I must listen to it to the end as many can not be turned off. Picking them up and searching for the off button just encourages going to new heights of grandeur. Is silence bad for babies and toddlers? My children suffered in silence.
Why go back to Kenya so soon? Son-in-law, Stephen has come back to the US to look for a job. Sarah’s job will end on May 5th. May 6th Sarah, Alexandria, and I will get on a plane to come back to the US. Traveling with a 20 month old is challenging especially when the travel time is greater than 21 hours. I am making this trip so I can be entertaining, watching, and holding help.
Leaving today at 3:00 is not making me nervous because I have been on this very same flight before. Also, I have had time to visit with Brian, Jen, and Sophia again this morning. Hugs are rampant. Including one that caused Sophia and I to bump heads hard enough to push my glasses into my face leaving a bruise behind. At least Leroy is not around so no one can suspect that he is beating me.
I am pleased to take a suitcase for Sarah to use. With the loaded carry-on in there a tote bag is all that I require on the plane. That means that if my luggage does not make it I will borrow clothes from Sarah. It is nice to have a similar sized person at the destination who will share clothes. Unfortunately her feet are much smaller than mine. This morning when I put on make-up I found that I did not bring any blush. Maybe I will just have to work on blushing.
Paula
Monday, April 20, 2009
Kenya Here I come
Hello,
Last night Leroy and I did a talk on Kenya. We really showed a lot more slides than I intended, but it was too hard to stop. I think we need a time keeper to maintain control. It is hard to wrap my mind around the concept that I will soon be back in Kenya.
I am on the road again. Tonight, in Minnesota, I am enjoying hugging, chasing, tickling, and giggling with Sophia. Leroy is jealous, jealous. Tomorrow I will see her briefly before I fly out.
I thought I did a great job packing but realized when I was on bus that I have neither a comb nor a brush with me. Will I look good enough to be let on the plane? Brian and Jen tell me they can help otherwise I must go buy such. I also did not get any apples in my lunch and I missed them. But if that is all that I forgot life will be good.
The bus was quite full when I got on, but I found a seat with a woman who was traveling beyond Fargo (Is that the end of the earth or what?) and she had come from Kansas City. She talked about her seven children scattered in many parts of the country and world. Instead of seeing that as a liability she saw that as an asset that created opportunities to travel and generated memories to cherish. I need to adjust my thinking.
Paula
Last night Leroy and I did a talk on Kenya. We really showed a lot more slides than I intended, but it was too hard to stop. I think we need a time keeper to maintain control. It is hard to wrap my mind around the concept that I will soon be back in Kenya.
I am on the road again. Tonight, in Minnesota, I am enjoying hugging, chasing, tickling, and giggling with Sophia. Leroy is jealous, jealous. Tomorrow I will see her briefly before I fly out.
I thought I did a great job packing but realized when I was on bus that I have neither a comb nor a brush with me. Will I look good enough to be let on the plane? Brian and Jen tell me they can help otherwise I must go buy such. I also did not get any apples in my lunch and I missed them. But if that is all that I forgot life will be good.
The bus was quite full when I got on, but I found a seat with a woman who was traveling beyond Fargo (Is that the end of the earth or what?) and she had come from Kansas City. She talked about her seven children scattered in many parts of the country and world. Instead of seeing that as a liability she saw that as an asset that created opportunities to travel and generated memories to cherish. I need to adjust my thinking.
Paula
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Presentations
Hello,
Yesterday Leroy and I did a presentation at the area church woman’s meeting. We were filling in for someone who could not come. Does that make us important or flexible? We had known about this for some time, but failed to find a time when we could work on this together until the afternoon before. Consequently that meant we got our pictures together and agreed on some of the points that we would cover, but we did not practice or consider who was talking about what. It was ok, but I would have preferred a bit more practiced polish.
One person complimented me and added that I do very well in front of a group. I like to speak in front of groups almost better than one on one if I do not know the people. What does that say about me? I am not sure.
In church this morning, I made a small summary of a meeting that we had been to about a month ago. Then I led the Sunday school class with more details of the same meeting.
Tonight Leroy and I will present a program on our trip to Kenya. Our assignment is to talk about life in Kenya. Now that will be a little difficult because we really did not get out among the people. We can tell how our daughter lives as well as show some pictures of the locals. Lack of knowledge will not hinder us. We will have little trouble filling an hour. In fact we are working hard to cut down the number of pictures. All 300 are terrific, but we are confining ourselves to 60-70. Again we will have little time to practice. Leroy did not get home until 1:00 p.m. Lunch seemed necessary and now he is taking a nap. Later we hope to do another presentation in which we can fill in some of the other tourist places we visited.
I normally do not wash clothes on Sunday because I try not to do work that I could do on another day. Today however, I washed a dark and a light load of clothes. I apologize to you and God for no day of rest and contemplation. I get on the bus to MN tomorrow morning and I am do not want to feel rushed and panicked in the morning. Hopefully that will mean a restful sleep tonight. I sacrifice principles for personal comfort.
I am mostly packed, but there are always those last minutes things such as toothbrush and makeup.
Paula
Yesterday Leroy and I did a presentation at the area church woman’s meeting. We were filling in for someone who could not come. Does that make us important or flexible? We had known about this for some time, but failed to find a time when we could work on this together until the afternoon before. Consequently that meant we got our pictures together and agreed on some of the points that we would cover, but we did not practice or consider who was talking about what. It was ok, but I would have preferred a bit more practiced polish.
One person complimented me and added that I do very well in front of a group. I like to speak in front of groups almost better than one on one if I do not know the people. What does that say about me? I am not sure.
In church this morning, I made a small summary of a meeting that we had been to about a month ago. Then I led the Sunday school class with more details of the same meeting.
Tonight Leroy and I will present a program on our trip to Kenya. Our assignment is to talk about life in Kenya. Now that will be a little difficult because we really did not get out among the people. We can tell how our daughter lives as well as show some pictures of the locals. Lack of knowledge will not hinder us. We will have little trouble filling an hour. In fact we are working hard to cut down the number of pictures. All 300 are terrific, but we are confining ourselves to 60-70. Again we will have little time to practice. Leroy did not get home until 1:00 p.m. Lunch seemed necessary and now he is taking a nap. Later we hope to do another presentation in which we can fill in some of the other tourist places we visited.
I normally do not wash clothes on Sunday because I try not to do work that I could do on another day. Today however, I washed a dark and a light load of clothes. I apologize to you and God for no day of rest and contemplation. I get on the bus to MN tomorrow morning and I am do not want to feel rushed and panicked in the morning. Hopefully that will mean a restful sleep tonight. I sacrifice principles for personal comfort.
I am mostly packed, but there are always those last minutes things such as toothbrush and makeup.
Paula
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Duck is cooked
Hello,
The night before this dinner I dreamed so realistically that the duck had not been cleaned or gutted. The first thing on rising I went to the refrigerator and pulled it out. First I checked between the legs and noted with a sigh of relief that it had been cleaned on that end. Even though it has been years since I have plucked and cleaned a chicken I remember also taking the crop, gizzard, and other assorted unpleasantness from the front just under the neck. Uh-oh, no cleans hole here! I resolutely grabbed a knife and slit the skin. To my relief and joy it was quite clean. But it was a good thing I had checked on this bird because it still had ice crystals surrounding it. Later in the day I put it in some cold water to complete the defrosting.
I do not handle raw meat much any more and it was bit of a trick to grab a hold and not scare off this bird or me, but I got it done.
I put the duck in the roaster and let it cook. Now I was wondered if it was big enough when in the morning I was sure that it was too much. My memory of duck was of very greasy meat. This was the least fatty duck that I have ever seen. I am not sure if they chased it around the yard to build up muscle or what. We had enough duck with about two serving left over. I sent some home with one of the couples. I did not want to have too much left for Leroy.
I got the potato bread made in fine time. The woman who had bought it was not home when it was done so Leroy just zipped it over to her house while we were just finished with dessert. All the timing worked. The only thing was that I made far too many potatoes.
Paula
The night before this dinner I dreamed so realistically that the duck had not been cleaned or gutted. The first thing on rising I went to the refrigerator and pulled it out. First I checked between the legs and noted with a sigh of relief that it had been cleaned on that end. Even though it has been years since I have plucked and cleaned a chicken I remember also taking the crop, gizzard, and other assorted unpleasantness from the front just under the neck. Uh-oh, no cleans hole here! I resolutely grabbed a knife and slit the skin. To my relief and joy it was quite clean. But it was a good thing I had checked on this bird because it still had ice crystals surrounding it. Later in the day I put it in some cold water to complete the defrosting.
I do not handle raw meat much any more and it was bit of a trick to grab a hold and not scare off this bird or me, but I got it done.
I put the duck in the roaster and let it cook. Now I was wondered if it was big enough when in the morning I was sure that it was too much. My memory of duck was of very greasy meat. This was the least fatty duck that I have ever seen. I am not sure if they chased it around the yard to build up muscle or what. We had enough duck with about two serving left over. I sent some home with one of the couples. I did not want to have too much left for Leroy.
I got the potato bread made in fine time. The woman who had bought it was not home when it was done so Leroy just zipped it over to her house while we were just finished with dessert. All the timing worked. The only thing was that I made far too many potatoes.
Paula
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Six for duck
Hello,
Six for duck and duck for five. I am a little afraid that is how it is going to be. I have not weighed this bird, but the recipe book says about a pound per person. So now I am telling Leroy, “Do not eat too much. At least let it go around once before you take much if there is any left.”
I also counted my potatoes in this ten-pound bag that seemed to last forever and there are only seven. Is it one per person and one for the pot? I will also be making potato bread, half of which I will deliver to the person who bought my bread making skills. That will also be Friday night, I think if need be I will call on Leroy to be the carrier.
Then there is the question of how much milk to I have and how much do I need. Leroy does not drink the milk so I do not really want to buy any, but I think I am going to be short. Some milk will be needed for the dressing and the custard. I suppose I could put a little in the potatoes. Leroy will definitely have to take a pill before this meal. But at least I will use some eggs in the dressing and in the custard. Maybe that will reduce the number to just two-dozen. How many can Leroy eat while I am gone?
Leroy put together the presentation that we will be giving Saturday to the regional churchwomen’s group. The presentation is to last an hour covering Slovakia and Kenya. I guess we can stop in time. The WI-FI went out at church so he could not use the Internet there. But we do not have power point on the computer at home. He bought a new router, but it did not work last night. Today the seller talked him through the set-up. He had switched some wires. It seems that many things are not as simple as they could be. The trick is to be able to just roll with whatever comes your way. Right? We are rolling and rolling.
Paula
Six for duck and duck for five. I am a little afraid that is how it is going to be. I have not weighed this bird, but the recipe book says about a pound per person. So now I am telling Leroy, “Do not eat too much. At least let it go around once before you take much if there is any left.”
I also counted my potatoes in this ten-pound bag that seemed to last forever and there are only seven. Is it one per person and one for the pot? I will also be making potato bread, half of which I will deliver to the person who bought my bread making skills. That will also be Friday night, I think if need be I will call on Leroy to be the carrier.
Then there is the question of how much milk to I have and how much do I need. Leroy does not drink the milk so I do not really want to buy any, but I think I am going to be short. Some milk will be needed for the dressing and the custard. I suppose I could put a little in the potatoes. Leroy will definitely have to take a pill before this meal. But at least I will use some eggs in the dressing and in the custard. Maybe that will reduce the number to just two-dozen. How many can Leroy eat while I am gone?
Leroy put together the presentation that we will be giving Saturday to the regional churchwomen’s group. The presentation is to last an hour covering Slovakia and Kenya. I guess we can stop in time. The WI-FI went out at church so he could not use the Internet there. But we do not have power point on the computer at home. He bought a new router, but it did not work last night. Today the seller talked him through the set-up. He had switched some wires. It seems that many things are not as simple as they could be. The trick is to be able to just roll with whatever comes your way. Right? We are rolling and rolling.
Paula
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Piano Tuned
Hello,
The piano tuner just left. After I asked him about the cost, he told me, “That is really a nice little piano.” Do you suppose he tells that to everyone?
“My parents bought that when I was in first grade,” I responded.
His eyebrows lifted a bit as he added, “It does not look that old.” How old do you suppose I look to him?
I did not leave him in the dark very long but said, “I am 61 so I suppose that makes it 55 years.”
“It is in excellent shape for that,” he mused, “but those Wurlitzers are a nice piano.”
“So it was worth moving from Illinois?” I wondered.
“Yes,” he assured me, “it was it is in great shape.
Leroy and I are trying to find someone to come eat duck with us. We have one couple lined up and we are trying to get a hold of another. We think this is a six person duck. I want to get it out of the freezer since it takes so much room. I will go ahead even if there are only four of us. Too bad I cannot make some really fancy duck dish, but I am just going to roast it as my mother did.
Now the question is should I make dressing as she did or should I just skip that. One thing I am not so good at is getting a meal coordinated. I need a cook and a maid. We will do it on Friday evening and in the afternoon Leroy has a nursing home service twenty miles away. I am the chief piano player so that might be a problem.
Paula
The piano tuner just left. After I asked him about the cost, he told me, “That is really a nice little piano.” Do you suppose he tells that to everyone?
“My parents bought that when I was in first grade,” I responded.
His eyebrows lifted a bit as he added, “It does not look that old.” How old do you suppose I look to him?
I did not leave him in the dark very long but said, “I am 61 so I suppose that makes it 55 years.”
“It is in excellent shape for that,” he mused, “but those Wurlitzers are a nice piano.”
“So it was worth moving from Illinois?” I wondered.
“Yes,” he assured me, “it was it is in great shape.
Leroy and I are trying to find someone to come eat duck with us. We have one couple lined up and we are trying to get a hold of another. We think this is a six person duck. I want to get it out of the freezer since it takes so much room. I will go ahead even if there are only four of us. Too bad I cannot make some really fancy duck dish, but I am just going to roast it as my mother did.
Now the question is should I make dressing as she did or should I just skip that. One thing I am not so good at is getting a meal coordinated. I need a cook and a maid. We will do it on Friday evening and in the afternoon Leroy has a nursing home service twenty miles away. I am the chief piano player so that might be a problem.
Paula
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Duck is here
Hello,
I ran down to answer the door and there was the Ukrainian pastor’s wife. “We have duck,” I thought as I greeted her.
Sure enough she went to the car, retrieved two bags, handed them to me, and told me to enjoy.
Now I have to tell you how I got this duck. She was talking about raising duck. I told her that my father especially liked duck consequently it was always our family’s Christmas meat. I like duck, but I have to say that this duck looks much larger than the ones that my dad bought. I will have to find someone else who likes it and can help us eat it. I wish my sister and her husband were closer because I know they like it. At least it is frozen so it can rest in ice for a while.
She also gave me a bowl of homemade goat cheese. It is quite tasty, white, and creamy. I spread it on crackers. It is too bad that I am going to leave so soon because I am not sure how much Leroy will be able to eat. Then she gave us three-dozen eggs. Again I will have to eat an egg a day until I leave. But I think I should find someone else who could use some eggs to help out.
This morning Tatiana brought over a bowl full of Easter breads including some that was a poppy seed jellyroll type. I asked how she ground the poppy seed, but she did not understand what grind meant. She also included two Easter eggs that had been dyed with onionskins. They were beautiful.
Leroy and I are not going to starve in the near future. Is this God’s way of saying, “See, I take care of even the small things, giving you gifts from unexpected sources. Pressed down and running over. I will take care of all things. Trust me.”
I have much to learn and relax into the chance to be cared for.
Paula
I ran down to answer the door and there was the Ukrainian pastor’s wife. “We have duck,” I thought as I greeted her.
Sure enough she went to the car, retrieved two bags, handed them to me, and told me to enjoy.
Now I have to tell you how I got this duck. She was talking about raising duck. I told her that my father especially liked duck consequently it was always our family’s Christmas meat. I like duck, but I have to say that this duck looks much larger than the ones that my dad bought. I will have to find someone else who likes it and can help us eat it. I wish my sister and her husband were closer because I know they like it. At least it is frozen so it can rest in ice for a while.
She also gave me a bowl of homemade goat cheese. It is quite tasty, white, and creamy. I spread it on crackers. It is too bad that I am going to leave so soon because I am not sure how much Leroy will be able to eat. Then she gave us three-dozen eggs. Again I will have to eat an egg a day until I leave. But I think I should find someone else who could use some eggs to help out.
This morning Tatiana brought over a bowl full of Easter breads including some that was a poppy seed jellyroll type. I asked how she ground the poppy seed, but she did not understand what grind meant. She also included two Easter eggs that had been dyed with onionskins. They were beautiful.
Leroy and I are not going to starve in the near future. Is this God’s way of saying, “See, I take care of even the small things, giving you gifts from unexpected sources. Pressed down and running over. I will take care of all things. Trust me.”
I have much to learn and relax into the chance to be cared for.
Paula
Monday, April 13, 2009
Ukrainian Potluck
Hello,
“Leroy, you forget,” I said when we got home, “the trick is to eat slowly because as soon as your plate is empty they want to fill it.”
Everything was delicious. We had cabbage rolls and some delicious sauerkraut. The blow through mind horseradish took us right back to the Slovak word for it that I can pronounce, but am not sure how to spell. Food words were important to know. Memory also gave us the words for onion and garlic. Pungent roots all. And then there was the word for cabbage. I could still get by at the market if I had to.
Leroy and I did not get up right away to get dessert so they kindly brought it to us. We each sampled several sweets, but there were still many things on the plate. “You can take it home,” they assured us.
“Oh good,” I said, “we will do that.”
But then it was back to the table to get us a plate of other items to bring home. That plate expanded to two plates before I could stop it from growing. “Monday or Tuesday night I will bring fresh eggs for you and a duck,” the pastor told us. “I will also bring a small bottle of my sauerkraut.”
Before she left, the pastor’s mother gave us each two chocolate candies. I do not shop for candy, but I will have to say that I have never seen any wrapped in a bright gold or red foil as these were. I wonder if someone in the old country sent the candy to her. It reminded me of some of the candy we would see at Christmas time in the stores in Slovakia.
I think we will not have to prepare any food for some time to come. Anyone want to come help us eat? My father especially liked duck consequently it was usually our Christmas meat. I have not cooked one myself. Or if I have I do not remember doing it. How can I keep experiencing new things after more than 60 years on this earth? Does it never end? How good it is.
Paula
“Leroy, you forget,” I said when we got home, “the trick is to eat slowly because as soon as your plate is empty they want to fill it.”
Everything was delicious. We had cabbage rolls and some delicious sauerkraut. The blow through mind horseradish took us right back to the Slovak word for it that I can pronounce, but am not sure how to spell. Food words were important to know. Memory also gave us the words for onion and garlic. Pungent roots all. And then there was the word for cabbage. I could still get by at the market if I had to.
Leroy and I did not get up right away to get dessert so they kindly brought it to us. We each sampled several sweets, but there were still many things on the plate. “You can take it home,” they assured us.
“Oh good,” I said, “we will do that.”
But then it was back to the table to get us a plate of other items to bring home. That plate expanded to two plates before I could stop it from growing. “Monday or Tuesday night I will bring fresh eggs for you and a duck,” the pastor told us. “I will also bring a small bottle of my sauerkraut.”
Before she left, the pastor’s mother gave us each two chocolate candies. I do not shop for candy, but I will have to say that I have never seen any wrapped in a bright gold or red foil as these were. I wonder if someone in the old country sent the candy to her. It reminded me of some of the candy we would see at Christmas time in the stores in Slovakia.
I think we will not have to prepare any food for some time to come. Anyone want to come help us eat? My father especially liked duck consequently it was usually our Christmas meat. I have not cooked one myself. Or if I have I do not remember doing it. How can I keep experiencing new things after more than 60 years on this earth? Does it never end? How good it is.
Paula
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
Hello,
The service went well this morning. Leroy is always happy when that happens. As part of his children’s sermon he compares an egg to the tomb, throws it up in the air, and smashes it between his hands as it comes down. That of course is to give the idea that the tomb is empty.
The first time Leroy tried this feature was in Missouri, Valley, IA when our children were fairly small. Leroy had never blown out an egg before. After numerous failed attempts involving egg yolk in places it did not belong and smashed shells he, with much grumbling, finally had a two shells that were intact. Easter morning he was gathering his things to put in the car. Four-year-old Sarah told Leroy she would put the eggs in the car. Leroy, grateful for any help gave them to her, picked up something more, raced out to the car, and got in only to realize that he had just sat on the eggs. At this point in our lives because we lived a mile from church and had only one car we all went together. I wanted to laugh, but did not dare considering the mood that Leroy was now in. “What will I do for a children’s sermon?” he wailed.
I do not remember how it turned out, but I am sure it was fine. Some other Sunday mornings we would race down the hill on the way to church and help Leroy think of children’s sermons. That is one thing that we missed when we only lived a block from church and no longer had to go together. Dad was on his own for those missing children’s messages. As always there are pluses and minuses.
This afternoon we are going to a potluck of the Ukrainians. I am sure it will be good, but I feel shy. Just going takes some courage on my part since I do not know many people there. I do not know how you extroverts do it.
Paula
The service went well this morning. Leroy is always happy when that happens. As part of his children’s sermon he compares an egg to the tomb, throws it up in the air, and smashes it between his hands as it comes down. That of course is to give the idea that the tomb is empty.
The first time Leroy tried this feature was in Missouri, Valley, IA when our children were fairly small. Leroy had never blown out an egg before. After numerous failed attempts involving egg yolk in places it did not belong and smashed shells he, with much grumbling, finally had a two shells that were intact. Easter morning he was gathering his things to put in the car. Four-year-old Sarah told Leroy she would put the eggs in the car. Leroy, grateful for any help gave them to her, picked up something more, raced out to the car, and got in only to realize that he had just sat on the eggs. At this point in our lives because we lived a mile from church and had only one car we all went together. I wanted to laugh, but did not dare considering the mood that Leroy was now in. “What will I do for a children’s sermon?” he wailed.
I do not remember how it turned out, but I am sure it was fine. Some other Sunday mornings we would race down the hill on the way to church and help Leroy think of children’s sermons. That is one thing that we missed when we only lived a block from church and no longer had to go together. Dad was on his own for those missing children’s messages. As always there are pluses and minuses.
This afternoon we are going to a potluck of the Ukrainians. I am sure it will be good, but I feel shy. Just going takes some courage on my part since I do not know many people there. I do not know how you extroverts do it.
Paula
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Crazy Saturday Morning
Hello,
If Leroy would not read this I might record this a little differently. Audience does make a difference.
Leroy has been feeling a bit down the past few days. This morning he talked about those things. He does not have a future job lined up yet. That is a big one. Nothing seems to work out for us or for the congregation here. He would like to go back overseas and I don’t want to do that. I want to be closer to our children, grandchildren, houseplants, a garden, and some of the things in our house that I have enjoyed having around me.
I had agreed to make some bread for the youth group fundraiser. The first loaf was due at noon today. It is cinnamon raisin bread. Before I started the bread I put a load of clothes in the washer. As I was making it I heard that the machine was banging in the spin cycle. I raced down to get it sorted out, but could not seem to find the right layout, but it would be okay if I held it in place. Leroy was upstairs reading the paper. I wanted to get back to my bread making. He told me when I later questioned him about coming down, “That is a one person job and I did not think you needed me.”
“I agree that it is one person job, but I wanted to leave.” I asserted.
When I finally did get back up to the bread I was so angry that I was careless and the dough climbed the beaters even getting up into the machine. Now I was truly upset since I like this mixer and I do not like the idea of foreign objects gumming up the works. I took more precious minutes getting most of the dough out. Finally I got the dough done, but it was going to be late. I like to be on time.
Leroy noted my concern with, “Well you will just have to call and tell her it will come late.” Sure, but I hate doing that because of the sense of responsibility and besides I do not like to use the phone.
I mostly hang clothes out. Leroy’s clergy shirts contribute to America’s use of too much of the world’s energy and go in the dryer because it helps to get off any specks of lint and they do not need to be ironed. Leroy, trying to help out, put them in the dryer along with the napkins that I was going to wrap around the bread. Unfortunately he did not put in a dryer sheet that meant some pressing required and some lint removal by Paula’s irritated hand.
On the positive side we did go to a garage sale and I bought two skirts and two tops that I am pleased to get for $1.25. The skirts especially are just what I was looking for. I got rid of a skirt and two tops from my closet so I did not add too much.
Also a positive we had a nice talk with Sarah and Lexi. The sound and picture were so much better than it was last week.
I guess the bread was good, but I used oil instead of margarine or butter. It is so hard from me to use so much of those items as well as a lot of sugar. When delivered, warm cinnamon scent wafted in the air.
Paula
If Leroy would not read this I might record this a little differently. Audience does make a difference.
Leroy has been feeling a bit down the past few days. This morning he talked about those things. He does not have a future job lined up yet. That is a big one. Nothing seems to work out for us or for the congregation here. He would like to go back overseas and I don’t want to do that. I want to be closer to our children, grandchildren, houseplants, a garden, and some of the things in our house that I have enjoyed having around me.
I had agreed to make some bread for the youth group fundraiser. The first loaf was due at noon today. It is cinnamon raisin bread. Before I started the bread I put a load of clothes in the washer. As I was making it I heard that the machine was banging in the spin cycle. I raced down to get it sorted out, but could not seem to find the right layout, but it would be okay if I held it in place. Leroy was upstairs reading the paper. I wanted to get back to my bread making. He told me when I later questioned him about coming down, “That is a one person job and I did not think you needed me.”
“I agree that it is one person job, but I wanted to leave.” I asserted.
When I finally did get back up to the bread I was so angry that I was careless and the dough climbed the beaters even getting up into the machine. Now I was truly upset since I like this mixer and I do not like the idea of foreign objects gumming up the works. I took more precious minutes getting most of the dough out. Finally I got the dough done, but it was going to be late. I like to be on time.
Leroy noted my concern with, “Well you will just have to call and tell her it will come late.” Sure, but I hate doing that because of the sense of responsibility and besides I do not like to use the phone.
I mostly hang clothes out. Leroy’s clergy shirts contribute to America’s use of too much of the world’s energy and go in the dryer because it helps to get off any specks of lint and they do not need to be ironed. Leroy, trying to help out, put them in the dryer along with the napkins that I was going to wrap around the bread. Unfortunately he did not put in a dryer sheet that meant some pressing required and some lint removal by Paula’s irritated hand.
On the positive side we did go to a garage sale and I bought two skirts and two tops that I am pleased to get for $1.25. The skirts especially are just what I was looking for. I got rid of a skirt and two tops from my closet so I did not add too much.
Also a positive we had a nice talk with Sarah and Lexi. The sound and picture were so much better than it was last week.
I guess the bread was good, but I used oil instead of margarine or butter. It is so hard from me to use so much of those items as well as a lot of sugar. When delivered, warm cinnamon scent wafted in the air.
Paula
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Giving Overseas
Hello,
Saturday in the neighboring county there was a large packing and sending of food to Tanzania. A group called Kids Against Hunger organized this. Before we left we talked to Sarah in Kenya. When she heard what we were going to do she said, “After five years in the business I know that it is always better to send money than things. It costs $5000 to send 4.8 cbm.”
On the way and afterwards Leroy and I had some discussion about this. I have heard before how it hurts the local economy if things are not purchased locally. As we worked I got to thinking that they could surely buy most of the food in Tanzania or some of their neighbors. It was rice, dried vegetables, soy, and some type of vitamins. Money could even be spent to pay people to assemble the kits thus giving them a wage.
The flip side of this is that so many people came to help with this effort. The county is very small with the largest community numbering under 2,000. As Leroy said, “It seems that half of the county is here helping.” People do want to help and it gives them a good feeling. So how are the two forces to meet and really be the best for both? Somehow just giving money is not quite so satisfying.
I know that our church does not generally send food, but buys it locally. We do make quilts and send them. Again could people there make them as well? People here sew donated material and volunteer time feeling that they are doing a real service. I know that they have material in Africa and other places. Should they buy material there and hire people to make quilts in the many countries that receive them? I do not know the answers.
Paula
Saturday in the neighboring county there was a large packing and sending of food to Tanzania. A group called Kids Against Hunger organized this. Before we left we talked to Sarah in Kenya. When she heard what we were going to do she said, “After five years in the business I know that it is always better to send money than things. It costs $5000 to send 4.8 cbm.”
On the way and afterwards Leroy and I had some discussion about this. I have heard before how it hurts the local economy if things are not purchased locally. As we worked I got to thinking that they could surely buy most of the food in Tanzania or some of their neighbors. It was rice, dried vegetables, soy, and some type of vitamins. Money could even be spent to pay people to assemble the kits thus giving them a wage.
The flip side of this is that so many people came to help with this effort. The county is very small with the largest community numbering under 2,000. As Leroy said, “It seems that half of the county is here helping.” People do want to help and it gives them a good feeling. So how are the two forces to meet and really be the best for both? Somehow just giving money is not quite so satisfying.
I know that our church does not generally send food, but buys it locally. We do make quilts and send them. Again could people there make them as well? People here sew donated material and volunteer time feeling that they are doing a real service. I know that they have material in Africa and other places. Should they buy material there and hire people to make quilts in the many countries that receive them? I do not know the answers.
Paula
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Heating Water
Hello,
Excitement filled the air as I looked at the one-liter water heater. It was the type that we used in Slovakia to heat water for tea. I always liked it because it was so fast. Here is one that only costs $2 at this Methodist thrift sale. I had checked in the hardware store and found three ranging in price from $17-$50. What luck that I should find such a treasure. The box was taped shut, but I asked to look inside. The sellers were more than happy to do that. When opened it looked as if it had never been used. I was really excited now.
I raced home and showed it to Leroy at lunchtime. He was appropriately pleased. Then I tried it out. It did smell new so I gave it the new treatment of discarding the first three liters of heated water. The sad thing was that I timed it and it took four minutes to heat. Leroy and I are both sure that it was much faster in Slovakia. Could we exaggerate speed in our minds? Or was it the difference in the wattage? Or was it local magic? It is faster than the microwave that takes nine minutes to heat the quart of water in my teapot. I guess I should consider it fast, but I was expecting it to take about two minutes.
Besides that heater I also bought a 25-cent book to take to Sarah and dime ping-pong paddle for Leroy. All in all it was quite satisfyingly cheap deals.
Last year my neighbor gave me some winter onions. We have now eaten them. It is great to have some fresh food from outside my door. If I had known I would still be here I would have planted many more. I am beginning to think that I should plan on staying wherever I am and then I will be prepared for most anything but the regret of leaving treasure behind. It is hard enough with people. I am realizing that the longer association is going to make it harder to leave here even though I try to protect myself from that. Love and loss seem to go hand in hand.
Paula
Excitement filled the air as I looked at the one-liter water heater. It was the type that we used in Slovakia to heat water for tea. I always liked it because it was so fast. Here is one that only costs $2 at this Methodist thrift sale. I had checked in the hardware store and found three ranging in price from $17-$50. What luck that I should find such a treasure. The box was taped shut, but I asked to look inside. The sellers were more than happy to do that. When opened it looked as if it had never been used. I was really excited now.
I raced home and showed it to Leroy at lunchtime. He was appropriately pleased. Then I tried it out. It did smell new so I gave it the new treatment of discarding the first three liters of heated water. The sad thing was that I timed it and it took four minutes to heat. Leroy and I are both sure that it was much faster in Slovakia. Could we exaggerate speed in our minds? Or was it the difference in the wattage? Or was it local magic? It is faster than the microwave that takes nine minutes to heat the quart of water in my teapot. I guess I should consider it fast, but I was expecting it to take about two minutes.
Besides that heater I also bought a 25-cent book to take to Sarah and dime ping-pong paddle for Leroy. All in all it was quite satisfyingly cheap deals.
Last year my neighbor gave me some winter onions. We have now eaten them. It is great to have some fresh food from outside my door. If I had known I would still be here I would have planted many more. I am beginning to think that I should plan on staying wherever I am and then I will be prepared for most anything but the regret of leaving treasure behind. It is hard enough with people. I am realizing that the longer association is going to make it harder to leave here even though I try to protect myself from that. Love and loss seem to go hand in hand.
Paula
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Toys and Shells
Hello,
I went to the library last Friday and realized that I could bring in Brian’s shells for display at the library. The only problem is that the display case is so large that they would not fill it. Leroy came up as I was talking and said, “I could bring my tin toys.”
Leroy’s things take up two shelves and those shells only one. There was still one more shelf so they put out some picture books about the beach. It took a bit of fussing, but we got the job done. Leroy’s trains, electric and wind up, are on one shelf, his tin toys are on another. It took some searching, but we found a nice long piece of black fabric to put behind the shells so they are comfortably on another shelf. I am quite pleased with the final product.
It was fun to see all those shells again. Brian had gotten tired of them and intended to get rid of them. I like them well enough that I keep them, but I guess not well enough to have them out as they have remained in a box until today. If you should come to Chariton I would recommend that you go to the public library and check out the great displays.
We had company for supper last night and I think amazingly enough everything went well. I should extend myself more often, but it is hard to round up confidence. One thing about success it helps you to consider more possibilities or even again. As my children say, “You are over the top in eating veggies.”
Last night one of the guests joked, “You serve so much healthy stuff I am going to have to go home and eat something bad.”
I volunteered to take some pictures of the quilts that are being sent overseas. That evolved into a status of master picture taker. I have spent a bit of enjoyable time on that. Today we sent off 19 pictures to the Church Women’s magazine. I suspect that they will only use one picture. They did say that they wanted several, but was that just so they could choose one? We will see.
Paula
I went to the library last Friday and realized that I could bring in Brian’s shells for display at the library. The only problem is that the display case is so large that they would not fill it. Leroy came up as I was talking and said, “I could bring my tin toys.”
Leroy’s things take up two shelves and those shells only one. There was still one more shelf so they put out some picture books about the beach. It took a bit of fussing, but we got the job done. Leroy’s trains, electric and wind up, are on one shelf, his tin toys are on another. It took some searching, but we found a nice long piece of black fabric to put behind the shells so they are comfortably on another shelf. I am quite pleased with the final product.
It was fun to see all those shells again. Brian had gotten tired of them and intended to get rid of them. I like them well enough that I keep them, but I guess not well enough to have them out as they have remained in a box until today. If you should come to Chariton I would recommend that you go to the public library and check out the great displays.
We had company for supper last night and I think amazingly enough everything went well. I should extend myself more often, but it is hard to round up confidence. One thing about success it helps you to consider more possibilities or even again. As my children say, “You are over the top in eating veggies.”
Last night one of the guests joked, “You serve so much healthy stuff I am going to have to go home and eat something bad.”
I volunteered to take some pictures of the quilts that are being sent overseas. That evolved into a status of master picture taker. I have spent a bit of enjoyable time on that. Today we sent off 19 pictures to the Church Women’s magazine. I suspect that they will only use one picture. They did say that they wanted several, but was that just so they could choose one? We will see.
Paula
Sunday, April 5, 2009
What to write?
Hello,
After writing so much about Kenya I am having a hard time finding anything to write about in my dull ordinary existence. After all how can Chariton, IA compare to Nairobi, Kenya? No zebra here.
Yikes! Could I have not written since March 31? I see that I need to create a new folder to save this letter. Now I will have to say that some of the days I was so busy that I did not really have the time to write. Leroy and I are still among the living.
Saturday, just yesterday was a good example of time slipping away. I remembered in the middle of the night that we should turn on the computer early in the morning because Sarah had set up plans last Saturday to go to her office so we could try to web cam. It was a good thing that I remembered because she and Lexi were there. When we tried to connect on instant messenger we could see each other, but only one of us could hear. That gets a little frustrating typing and trying to keep a conversation going that is half verbal and half written. Sarah suggested, “Let’s use Skype instead. That worked with Stephen just now.”
We had to download Skype since we had not put it back on when the computer was clean off the last time. Leroy said disgustedly, “I can not find the free download, it says that we have to pay.”
We do not like paying for something if we have had it free in the past and we believe it to still be free. I looked for that site, but clicked on the same one that Leroy had found. “Didn’t you believe me?” he asked with great irritation.
After a bit more altercation and looking we found the free download, but not before Leroy remarked in a huff, “We need two computers in this house, that being yours and mine since we work so differently.”
After we got Skype we had to load Sarah on it as a contact since we still had their log from Geneva days. All of this takes time and we really want instant results. Results are fast if we take the time to consider what it would take to send a letter through the mail, but we have changed now. In the end we did have a nice call with Sarah and Lexi. The picture pixilated some and the sound was static sometimes and very quite so Leroy and I had to yell to be heard. But Lexi was pleased to see us and even asked where grandpa was when Leroy was not on screen. She also blew us kisses that we could catch on our cheeks. So I am hoping that means she remembers us. After we hung up we learned that we had did not have the microphone on the web cam set as the mike. Next time will be better.
I will start on my trip back to Kenya just two weeks from tomorrow.
Paula
After writing so much about Kenya I am having a hard time finding anything to write about in my dull ordinary existence. After all how can Chariton, IA compare to Nairobi, Kenya? No zebra here.
Yikes! Could I have not written since March 31? I see that I need to create a new folder to save this letter. Now I will have to say that some of the days I was so busy that I did not really have the time to write. Leroy and I are still among the living.
Saturday, just yesterday was a good example of time slipping away. I remembered in the middle of the night that we should turn on the computer early in the morning because Sarah had set up plans last Saturday to go to her office so we could try to web cam. It was a good thing that I remembered because she and Lexi were there. When we tried to connect on instant messenger we could see each other, but only one of us could hear. That gets a little frustrating typing and trying to keep a conversation going that is half verbal and half written. Sarah suggested, “Let’s use Skype instead. That worked with Stephen just now.”
We had to download Skype since we had not put it back on when the computer was clean off the last time. Leroy said disgustedly, “I can not find the free download, it says that we have to pay.”
We do not like paying for something if we have had it free in the past and we believe it to still be free. I looked for that site, but clicked on the same one that Leroy had found. “Didn’t you believe me?” he asked with great irritation.
After a bit more altercation and looking we found the free download, but not before Leroy remarked in a huff, “We need two computers in this house, that being yours and mine since we work so differently.”
After we got Skype we had to load Sarah on it as a contact since we still had their log from Geneva days. All of this takes time and we really want instant results. Results are fast if we take the time to consider what it would take to send a letter through the mail, but we have changed now. In the end we did have a nice call with Sarah and Lexi. The picture pixilated some and the sound was static sometimes and very quite so Leroy and I had to yell to be heard. But Lexi was pleased to see us and even asked where grandpa was when Leroy was not on screen. She also blew us kisses that we could catch on our cheeks. So I am hoping that means she remembers us. After we hung up we learned that we had did not have the microphone on the web cam set as the mike. Next time will be better.
I will start on my trip back to Kenya just two weeks from tomorrow.
Paula
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)