Trailing Spouse in Kathmandu

Trailing no more ... for now

2009-09-04T09:44:00.002+07:00

We are back at home in the States. It is good to be home. Grocery stores are still a little overwhelming and I stare at potable water coming from the tap in wonder but transitions are going fairly well ... so far.

Come by and visit. I can't promise you an exotic foreign locale ... but it will still be me.

www.thelightchasersstudy.blogspot.com

Namaste!

Namaste Nepal

2009-09-04T09:42:00.008+07:00

I write this from the study in our home in the US. I had grand plans about ending this blog with all the pictures I had hoped to post but didn't have time to but I think it is time to wrap this up and move on!

We had a wonderful tour. It was a great three years for our family and I will always look back at this chapter in our lives with great fondness.

I posted earlier about what my children said they would miss so now it is time for me to pony up. Here is my top ten list:

1) Our helpers. Not just for the wonderful work they did for us thereby freeing us up to enjoy and experience their country but for them as people. Mana Co-Mothered with me and loved on and cared for my children in a way for which I will be always grateful. During our tenure there were births, deaths, joys and hardships in their families and ours. It was my privilege to know them - truly.

2) Countless individuals. There are some very, very interesting people in the 'Du! I had friends from many different countries who were doing things either currently or in their former lives that were so unique to me. (e.g. my friend the wildlife biologist who spends half her year in an Indian forest tracking Tigers and other big cats in hopes that large companies won't encroach on their habitats etc. She is the first wildlife biologist I've ever met - smile.) We had many friends from the different communities we were a part of whom I will miss.

3) People in general. Driving anywhere was endlessly fascinating just watching the street scape unfold before you. There were people doing all kinds of things along the roads: bathing, getting their hair cut, brushing their teeth, selling their wares, carrying their children, chatting with neighbors and making their way through the crazy Kathmandu traffic.

4) Our church community. It was a fabulous community of people doing amazing things in the name of Christ. I smile when I think of our Scottish pastor's brogue.

5) The weather! Temperate. Loved it. Monsoon's not so great ... but it isn't so bad either.

6) While I am on the subject of Monsoon - I loved that my children learned to run outside and play in the rain. I also will never forget the colors of the Monsoon skies. Glorious.

7) The small town experience. While I am speaking of the expat bubble it really was amazing to me how you really knew someone everywhere you went. I know it would drive some people nuts but for me it was for a season and I enjoyed it.

8) I will miss how affordable life was on a western salary! Back to reality - sigh.

9) The Himalayas! When the monsoon rains were over and the sky cleared we had a couple of months of beautiful views of the mountains from the valley. They are indeed majestic and speak of their Creator.

10) Color. I'll miss the saris blowing in the wind on the back of motorcycles, the spice shops and powdered dye kiosks and crazy painted trucks.

The Nepalis taught me to question why I am in a hurry. Exactly what prize do I get for cramming more into a day? They taught me to be grateful for every relationship and every thing in my life. They showed me that waste is shameful in light of the poverty that most Nepalis live in. I am grateful to them.

With this I will end my blogging adventure. Thanks for those of you who "followed", commented and encouraged me!

Namaste Nepal!

Packers, Forklifts and Saying Goodbye

2009-07-23T10:39:00.004+07:00

The packers swarmed like locusts on our house last week! They came, they saw and they conquered ... our house is empty save the embassy issued furniture and our suitcases. My children watched with fascination this morning as a forklift moved our containers into the waiting trucks. (They came at 5:30AM as trucks aren't allowed inside the ring road after a certain hour.) Our computer, however, was also packed up (someone get these people a laptop!) so I write you from the Embassy CLO office.

I'm not quite ready to end this blog! I didn't finish. I have more pictures! So, what to do?

When we unpack the computer I'll give myself a few weeks to "finish" and then say Namaste to "Trailing Spouse in Kathmandu". Did you know there are all kinds of services that will print your blog into a book? While the initial aim of this blog was to answer the many questions we were asked about life here with a family and give our own friends and family a way to stay connected, it definitely morphed into a creative outlet for me which I have needed and appreciated. I'd love to get it printed through one of these services and keep copies for the children to remember this chapter of their lives.

I can't write any final reflections from where I sit. CNN is on in the background and there is that low level hum of office noises that keep me from concentrating. (I really did work in an office at one point in my life - how did I do this?).

We still have shy of one week left to enjoy the 'Du and say our goodbyes unemcumbered by our own belongings. We all go on a "stuff" diet when we get back to the States.

Namaste ....

The Official Fourth - Aloha!

2009-07-14T00:12:00.004+07:00

Because we win the "Velveeta on Toast" award for being the most cheesy ... I had to post this. (It goes along with our Sari/Sherwani picture that I haven't posted).

Thank you President Obama for being born in Hawaii! It made for a much better theme for the official Fourth party than a few other states I could think of ... but won't mention (smile - think about the possibility of wearing Colonial garb and cringe a bit). The Ambassador held her official national day party and it was a great success complete with a Tiki Bar, Hawaiian music and food. Some people were following the coconut shrimp server around during the whole reception - hilarious.

I promise in ten years of marriage this is the only time we have ever worn matching clothes. Did you know you can order Hawaiian attire online? There are HUNDREDS of patterns. Amazing.

Today no "Namastes". Aloha baby.

The Fourth!

2009-07-13T23:52:00.003+07:00

The last two summers I was at home with the kids on the Fourth while Bill was back here in the 'Du. So this year - keepin' the family together - we celebrated here. The American Club put on a big event for any US citizens who happened to be in town. There were games, pony rides, cotton candy, a dunking booth and other requisite trappings of the holiday. It was most important to us though that the kids were present for the Marines' presentation of the colors and the Ambassador's reading of President Obama's address. No fireworks but we all had a great day!

Jodhaa Akbar

2009-07-06T11:16:00.006+07:00

I know I am supposed to be getting ready for pack out, but Bollywood beckoned once again and I couldn't help myself.

May I mention that I truly did marry a wonderful man who will watch these things with me and even like them sometimes?!

Jodhaa Akbar just may be India's "Gone With The Wind". This film is the epic love story of a Muslim Mughal Emperor who marries a Rajput Hindu princess. Both Hrithik and Aishwarya are easy on the eyes, the costumes are UNBELIEVABLE and the literal cast of thousands dance sequences are amazing. There is a Sufi number that is really beautiful. Most of the score is lovely but there are these dramatic "DaNaaaaaa" moments when you know something bad is about to go down that are slightly amusing. There are a few battle scenes to stomach but I just made a point to avert my eyes before the elephant foot makes oatmeal of the soldier's head. Jodhaa Akbar is not completely historically accurate but that doesn't detract from the positive aspects of the film.

Get a big bowl of popcorn ready - this movie is three hours and forty five minutes long!

I Must I Must Get Organized!

2009-07-01T14:42:00.005+07:00

We are getting ready to Namaste Nepal and I can't believe it. Two more weeks until packout and then two more until wheels up.

I think I'm more anxious than I'll admit and there is still a lot to do in the next two weeks but really, as one friend reminded me - "Just hide the kids, pets and passports and they'll just pack everything else up". I know from experience that this is true but a little organization beforehand ultimately relieves some stress on the day of the move.

So this is my GRAND PLAN:

This week or next week:
1) Clean out closets and drawers for clothing giveaway.
2) Attack the "in" box in our office! (Where I pretend I am very organized and have four bins labeled ACT, R&D (read and dispose), FILE, SHRED. Two out of the four of those are always, always full.)
3) Cajole the hoodlums to part with more toys.

Two days prior to packers:
1) Pack our suitcases with whatever we can't live without in the next three weeks or so until the air freight arrives.
2) Collect all the things we can't live without for the next three months on the living room floor for air freight.

To any Foreign Service/Military Moms who are lurking ... I need you now! Advice people!

Now that doesn't sound so bad, does it? I feel better already.

Aidan

2009-06-28T21:58:00.006+07:00

This ADORABLE little guy is the son of a friend of mine (remember the baby shower?) who I just had to get a photo session in with before he and his mama went on a three month around the world trip. I just knew he'd be all grown up by the next time I saw him. He is precious, precious.

Dharahara

2009-06-23T18:25:00.007+07:00

Isn't it a rule that you have to climb the highest piece of architecture in every city you visit? I made that up but I think everyone does it. I have been promising the girls that before we leave I would let them climb this. It is alternatively called Bhimsen's Folly or Dharahara.

The original tower was built in 1826 by Rana Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa only to be damaged in the 1934 earthquake. (Hmmm, the E word. I haven't posted about this. I don't want to thoroughly depress any of you who are moving here. Forget I mentioned it.) I am not sure if it is fact or urban myth that someone rode a horse to the top and took a fatal high dive. The fact that someone jumped would not surprise me but the horse? I don't think so. At any rate - it was closed for years apparently.

I converted some of these to B&W since it was such a hazy day and I think architecture lends itself to it anyway.

My little hoodlums are completely excited about it!

The Kathmandu sprawl spreading to the valley rim in 360. Or some cool graphic with the bars and gates - depends on how you look at it:).

Hazy day. Martyrs gate in the traffic circle.

These sweet girls wanted their picture taken with my children. Those exotic blue eyed creatures that they are! (Lindsay would not cooperate - oh well.)

Two hundred and thirteen steps isn't exactly the Washington Monument but the resulting views were still worth the climb. These signs were in case you either lost count ... or wanted a compass.

The tower is encircled by these carved plinths.

It was a fun thing to do and it really needed to wait until the end of our tour because three years ago small people would have asked to be carried up. You might notice a certain three year old was not invited. Poor little guy - it is rough being the youngest sometimes.

Namaste!

Those Brits Can Party ...

2009-06-20T10:20:00.003+07:00

There is a saying in many foreign locales - "those westerners make their own fun". Oh do they (we) ever. Bill and I are still cracking up over our evening last night. The British School was having a dinner dance for their staff and parents. At one point they didn't think that they had enough people to support the event so they opened it up to be an "all international school" event. One of my trek mates who is British talked us into going. Since the American school is on summer break guess how many parents there were from our school? Zip - nada baby! But we knew most of the people there anyway (I have mentioned on this blog that this is a small town, haven't I?)

You usually have to drag me to "large" events but then I end up having a good time. I'm more of a dinner party type of gal. This event, however, was one fun party. Why is it so funny to see a bunch of middle aged people letting loose? People I normally see as very reserved where gettin' down on the dance floor - woo hoo:)!

Dress was whatever you wanted it to be so people came in Saris, jeans and everything in between. There was a professional band doing covers - they were good. There was a teacher band "The Inverters" (referring to the battery power options many people use here when there is no power - as in 12-16 hours a day) and then finally ... the parent band, "Load Shed" (referring to said power loss) dressed in satin pants (trousers, excuse my Yankiness) and sequined shirts and 60's wigs. They were hilarious. They had original songs like "I Drive a Rickshaw" among others and tweaked the lyrics to a few Talking Heads songs.

All in all ... a very fun night. I think we needed that.

Namaste.

Sepia

2009-06-16T11:13:00.004+07:00

It is Sepia week at I heart faces. Here are my child and adult entries! One thing about taking out the color that I like is that it makes you focus on the other image elements a bit more.

My sadhu pictures are usually all about color so I wasn't sure about making it a sepia print but I actually really like it!

Go check 'em out - be inspired - people submit amazing work!

The Hungry Tide

2009-06-15T11:10:00.008+07:00

I am thrilled to have discovered so many wonderful South Asian writers while living here. One of my favorites is Amitav Ghosh. He is utterly transporting in his descriptions and beautiful prose. I just finished The Hungry Tide and loved it.

In brief, The Hungry Tide is a tale set in the Sunderbans, an archipelago of swampy islands off the coast of Bengal known for being an unforgiving environment and home of the Bengal Tiger. A young Indian-American scientist (who only speaks English but is of Bengali descent) travels to the Sundarbans to research Irrawaddy Dolphins and is aided by an illiterate fisherman. A Delhi businessman, originally from Calcutta (Kolkata), is travelling to the same place to retrieve papers left to him by a deceased uncle. They meet and their stories unfold to shed light on a region's history and people's lives. Ghosh is just masterful in my humble opinion!

As is the case with most good books the book is also about ideas. Do we live our lives as masters of poetry or prose? Do we value the ideal, the dream, the mystical and intuitive or the straightforward, empirical and pragmatic? "The Tide" so dramatically depicted in this book is a metaphor for the ebb and flow of life. He also explores the importance and meaning of language and the incredible ties people have to the land. This is a lovely, lovely book.

A few other recommendations (of many many!):

Jhumpa Lahiri - The Namesake (also a great Mira Nair movie)

Kiran Desai - The Inheritance of Loss

Thrity Umrigar - The Space Between Us

Amitav Ghosh - The Glass Palace

Nepali Writers of note:

Samrat Upadhay - Arresting God in Kathmandu, The Royal Ghosts

Manjushree Thapa - Forget Kathmandu (non fiction - we keep losing and rebuying this book!)

Happy reading!

* The cover art from Amazon doesn't compare to the gorgeous south Asian edition which has a silhouetted fishing boat in the reeds. Oh well!

Good Bye: The Last Day of School

2009-06-14T22:11:00.003+07:00

Oh my it was quite a day on Friday. The girls only had a half day and most of it was taken up by the "Happy Trails" assembly. It was a boo hoo fest I tell you. After various performances by the different age groups there were good byes for the graduating seniors, the departing teachers, retiring local staff and the departing families. In an expat school there are huge goodbyes every year but this time it was us doing the leaving! I stood next to another Mom whom I just love and whom I have served with both inside and outside the school - sigh sigh sigh, cry cry cry.

It has been a happy three years for my girls at this school. It has been my introduction to formal education from a parents' perspective and I learned a lot. We are about to enter a drastically different arena for the next couple of years in terms of schooling and we'll see how that goes!

Apart from the final assembly I thought the school did a fantastic job helping my kids with this transition. Both of their teachers had books made with pictures and notes from their classmates. They gave us a workbook to work through with the girls to help them put a narrative to their experiences.

In my attempts to be highly intentional about the kids getting closure and saying proper good byes the girls invited their classmates to Punkie Universe (a germ fest kiddie wonderland!) for a good bye party. Even though we won't be leaving for six more weeks most families high tail it out of Kathmandu for the summer break the minute school gets out. I just didn't want them to wander out of school the last day and feel that they didn't get to say goodbye to their friends.

During the next few weeks they will say more good byes to people and places that have become home to them. I don't know what this transient lifestyle will mean for each of them though I imagine each will respond in their own way. I hope we can magnify the positive aspects and minimize the negative ones of course. In reality I am not sure there is much control over these things.

They understandably have mixed feelings. They will grieve what they have left behind yet be excited about what lies ahead. Only time will really tell the piece of Nepal that they will carry with them in their hearts and minds.

Now, what are we going to do for the summer? Nothing like planning ahead - smile.

Namaste!

The Thailand Trip!

2009-06-11T23:02:00.014+07:00

I love to capture the image. I hate to edit it. This is a bit of a hindrance in the furthering of my photography skills! Now possibly when we move home and upgrade our computer situation it may turn from being tedious to fun. Other people seem to think editing is a blast! I ramble.

This week's (ok I am SO late that it is almost last week's) assignment at I Heart Faces is just to document a family vacation. Since, in fact, I had ours on the hard drive and hadn't edited any of the pictures this was my opportunity. And my family can finally see them! Thank you Faces for your encouragement - smile.

One very, very fun by product of living in Kathmandu is that if you are going to take a vacation it by definition is going to be a unique experience. I am beach person - my husband likes the mountains. Since we live in the Himalayas, guess where we got to vacate the last three years - the beach! Going to the beach from the 'Du means going to Thailand. It is very accessable, only a three hour flight, and it is where nearly everyone from here goes to get away. We tried a different place every year. I really do worry about my kids thinking this is normal. Next year they are going to ask me if we can go to Thailand for Spring Break. I will respond to them something along the lines of ... "Reality time my wee ones! No way Jose!!!".

First stop ... Bangkok for the weekend.

Kit is just a little excited about getting soaked on a long tailed boat ride!

Beautiful Thai temple architecture along the river.

I have a picture of myself doing this twenty something years ago when I was backpacking in Asia. I have to say it never occurred to me that I would take a picture of my kids in the same pose! Swift isn't so sure what he is doing.

Amazing?

The female lions have the cub at their feet, the males a ball.

This guide deserved (and got!) a huge tip. When Forty Pounds Of Love himself just gave up trying to walk the guide scooped him up and minutes later he was conducting his tour in this pose - never skipped a beat.

Still sleeping ...

They are hot, they are tired (did I mention it was really, really, hot?) but they are willing to humor Mommy for a minute.

Temple guardians at the Grand Palace.

After trekking around with the grown ups they definitely deserved a treat!

Yes - daily I tell my kids about WILY strangers. Don't you? Grin.

We did have a kid centered day when we went to the aquarium and a park but since Bill was still in Kathmandu and his Mom and I were wrangling the kids in kagillion degree heat ... I left the camera in the safe that day. Oh well.

Next stop, Phuket. Ahhhhh now we're talking.

Circus afternoon for the kids. This was just way too much fun for an hour. Look at these faces!

Finally, some dinner and sunsets.

The daily sunset lighting ceremony.

What is it about the sunset that lowers your blood pressure and makes you breathe more slowly? I don't know but I'll take it.

I didn't get any pictures of my husband or my mother in law (or me). There really were grown ups on this trip ... really.

Thanks Faces for making me do this!

Mango Gingerbread!

2009-06-05T10:43:00.004+07:00

It is mango season again in Kathmandu. They are plentiful and inexpensive and oh how my kids will get a reality check when we move home and they cannot consume eight of these a day! I know Trader Joes carries frozen mango though - perfect for this type of recipe (and Mango Margaritas too!).

I can't claim credit for finding this recipe - WonderMarcela my chef friend did - but I will so happily share it as it is just so incredibly delish! I reprinted the recipe below straight from Epicurious but since I am allergic to nuts I prepared it with just a simple glaze. (I forgot to take a picture after I cut the loaves ... and then it was GONE.)

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Streusel :
1/3 cup finely chopped lightly salted dry-roasted macadamia nuts
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger

Gingerbread:
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs

Preparation:
For streusel:

Stir all ingredients in small bowl to blend.

For gingerbread:

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter 9x9x2-inch metal baking pan. Whisk first 6 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Coarsely puree mangoes in food processor. Transfer 1 cup mango puree to large bowl (reserve any remaining puree for another use). Add buttermilk, oil, and eggs to puree; whisk until blended. Add flour mixture; stir just until combined. Transfer half of batter (about 2 cups) to prepared pan. Sprinkle half of streusel over. Spoon remaining batter over, smooth evenly with spatula, then sprinkle with remaining streusel.
Bake bread until springy to touch and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and store at room temperature.) Cut bread into 9 squares and serve.

Anatomy of a Bandh Day

2009-06-01T11:53:00.007+07:00

A bandh day isn't all that bad sometimes. (See here if you are wondering what in the heck I am talking about.)

6:30 AM

The phone rang, radio squawked, and I checked email. School was closed, the Embassy was closed (but Bill went in because, well, he always goes in), all planned events were cancelled.

9:00 AM

Children decided to be prolific in their production of artwork. There were no less than THIRTY little paintings drying on the pantry floor.

Lindsay - The Blue Period

My little artists ... littlest one AWOL at the moment.

I made Mango Gingerbread while the kids painted. This is worthy of its own post! Fabooo!

We had "Mommy School" where I attempted to homeschool for the day. Fortunately, at this life stage they think this is a really fun "game"! If this was our reality it might be a whole 'nother story.

Bill came home for both lunch and dinner. Yahoooo!

I started the GREAT TOY PURGE I have been procrastinating doing. Oh. my. goodness. We have an astonishing, embarrassing number of toys. We culled broken ones out and then organized the "giveaway" pile on my bed. Kit would OK an item, Lindsay would veto it - and vice versa. I told them I was just going to make an executive decision when they were at school - this resulted in some unity within the ranks thankfully. Did I mention that we have more toys than FAO Schwartz? At any rate, we made some progress. Mostly the exercise just highlighted how far we have to go in the next six weeks before packing out! But I'm not stressed about it at all (nose growing).

Off to scrub some faces and read some stories before bed.

Namaste!

Silhouette

2009-05-26T14:35:00.004+07:00

This week's challenge at I Heart Faces is to capture a silhouette. I can't wait to check 'em out.

I shot this while on spring break last month (or was it two months ago? It is all a blur now!). The kids were playing on the beach while we were waiting for dinner. This is one of those pictures that makes me smile - what a sweet season of life!

Weeping at Worship

2009-05-25T19:45:00.005+07:00

We are so incredibly sad. Saturday morning - the Nepali "weekend" and the sabbath for Christian Nepalis - a bomb blast went off at the Catholic Church. Many were injured and two died - one of whom was a fifteen year old high school student.

People often ask if we feel safe here. My response is always yes. While you can be at the wrong place at the wrong time there are mechanisms in place to minimize that possibility. But a church? Certainly it isn't the first time a place of worship has been targeted by extremist groups. I think it is the first time here in Nepal however (I wouldn't swear to this - but certainly during our tenure this is the case.).

We attend a Protestant church where the services are in English. We did meet yesterday - but at an "undisclosed" location. Whenever we do return to our normal location I am sure that new security measures will be in place. So, so, sad.

The ability to worship without fear is not something to take for granted.

Do you know what "Namaste" means? I bow to the God in you. It is considered a peaceful gesture of respect. Interesting and frightening times we live in.

Peace.

A Favorite Face

2009-05-19T22:33:00.007+07:00

My favorite face? Now this was hard to choose. As I scrolled through my archives I struggled with looking at images that I thought might be technically better or worse versus ones that elicited an emotional response in me. I have many pictures of Nepalis of course but in the end I chose my daughter.

I love this picture of my daughter (so much so it is on my blog sidebar) because it is ... so her! Her hair isn't perfect and she is a somewhat reflective girl - as well as incredibly sweet. And I think she looks just like that in this image.

Now if someone with fabulous editing capabilities would work some magic on it ... I'd love it!

I Heart Faces has requested we include the following in this post:

"I am submitting this photo into the http://www.iheartfaces.com/ Blurb Book photo contest. I am granting I ♥ Faces permission to use my photo in a printed version of a book for commercial use and possibly advertising of a photo book on both the Blurb and I ♥ Faces web sites."

The Mommy Trek

2009-05-16T11:26:00.011+07:00

THIS IS IT! See that peak on the left .... Mt. Everest, or "Sagarmatha" in Nepali. Lhotse to the right looks as big or bigger only because it is closer. The QUEST!

So what's a Mama to do? I desperately did not want to leave Nepal without trekking in one of the high mountain ranges but also wasn't comfortable taking my kids to some of these places. The treks we have done with the kids have been at lower altitudes and for only five to six days. The treks to the Everest region have to be longer to get anywhere, the accommodations might be sketchier and the terrain just too hard for them. I know parents who have taken their kids here but ... well, not me, not now. So thanks to my VERY supportive husband (who did do a Himalayan trek before we even met - just in case there are cries of unfairness!) and a VERY helpful didi ... I abandoned them all last week and went to the Everest region with two other Mommies who were also abandoning their husbands and children.

Secretly (okay, not so secretly) I fantasized about getting a full night's rest and not doing Mommy duty (yeah yeah privilege - grin) for a week. Reality: I hardly slept the whole dang trek! But that is beside the point. We had a FANTASTIC trip with great weather, great mountain views and also, happily, great company. I think our guide shook his head a few times when we would "rest" and be chatting ... and not start to hike again for ... awhile.

So where to start and not bore you to tears? How about a rundown of the itinerary and highlights ... followed by the pictures. Typed numbers indicate how long we were supposed to trek - numbers in parenthesis indicate how much time it really took.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla by itty bitty vomit inducing aircraft after waiting seven hours in the KTM airport due to bad weather. Trek three (5) hours to Phakding. Marcela started listening to an Al Gore book on her Ipod.

Day 2: Hike five (8) hours to Namche. The terrain is actually not bad. We did a harder - though shorter - trek with the kids (they were carried by porters though!) two years ago. The last push to Namche however ... just took forever. Our guide casually mentioned that his father will be building some water taps along the trail and he hasn't seen him in TEN years. I, of course, documented this reunion and cried. Ten years - can you believe that?

Day 3: Rest/Acclimatization day in Namche. Day Hike to the Everest View Hotel. Visit the local Sherpa Museum. I lost a chunk of my rear molar - niiiice - and put it in the Motrin bottle. I also obsessed a bit over the purchase of my yak bell.

Day 4: Hike Namche to Phortse - five (8) hours. We hardly saw a soul and the views were GORGEOUS. Kim dropped her sunglasses in a, er, natural bathroom hole. Dambar the guide RETRIEVED them. We discussed the way his tip was going WAY up. We did start the day with a cappuccino - ahhhhh. It truly was the only one of the trek.

Day 5: Trek Phortse to Tengboche via Pangboche - five (8) hours. Another gorgeous day with only a handful of trekkers in sight. We trekked through the rhododendrons - incredibly beautiful! The Tengboche Monastery made me nauseous - Eau de dirty feet mixed with incense. Marcela decided that Fleetwood Mac was more motivating while trekking than Al Gore. Kim and I discussed the finer points of British/American English obscenities. (Kim is from the UK).

Day 6: Trek Tengboche to Monjo via Namche - five (7) hours. Ooookie dokie ... we were starting back down! We were also back on a more heavily travelled route. On the trail were travellers as varied as a Brazilian film crew with Pepsodent smiles and a group of disabled trekkers from Korea. I told Marcela to just smack me if I whine after seeing this gutsy group. There were also many people we met who are doing this trek as part of their "bucket list".

Day 7: Trek Monjo to Lukla. I can't remember how long we trekked anymore but we arrived and were pretty happy campers. We went to "Starbucks Lukla" - I am adding that picture to my growing collection of intellectual property theft examples in Nepal.

Day 8: Heart stopping take off from Lukla - off a cliff - arriving in Kathmandu thirty to forty minutes later. Contents of stomach remained ... in stomach. One faboo hubby and three adorable children at the airport to greet me on Mothers Day. Just awesome.

So here are a few of the pictures ...

The Trekking Trio: Marcela, Kim and I.

The TT on day one. Clean hair we wouldn't see again for awhile.

Dambar - our "singing guide". We loved it - he broke into song and made puns at every opportunity. "Don't worry, Chicken Curry!"

The rhododendron forests - just lovely!

Terrible picture ... but it is of a Tibetan Musk Deer.

Boy Porters. This made me crazy although I know a wage is a wage. These guys were BABIES and were hauling up cases of beer for tourists. Grrrrrr.

She was just too cute not to snap.

Um. I am tragically unhip - very low cool quotient - highly in touch with my inner geek.

Another shot of Everest and Lhotse. BREATHTAKING.

Monastery in Namche.

The Yak bells. I am now a proud owner and this is what I ring when it is dinner time. I love this thing. It might be my favorite purchase in my three years in Nepal! I was mildly mocked for this but that's okay.

Hiking in the clouds ... just a little bit of altitude!

I have no idea what these are but they were so unusual. Succulent violets? There were also loads of some type of dwarf Iris.

Just look at this Yakette! Very fashionable with the earrings.

Shortly after we arrived here nearly three years ago there was a tragic fatal helicopter crash in Taplejung. The event rocked the community. The conservation community of Nepal lost the best and brightest of a generation. Even though we had been here a short time I knew two of the people personally who died that day. All of their pictures were posted here as a memorial.

People tie prayer flags to the suspension bridges on their way up.

Prayer wheels - walk around to the left going clockwise.

Tibetan prayers (Om Mani Padme Om - sp?) are carved into rocks and painted. Again, walk left and clockwise.

Wheat fields at the lower altitudes.

Boxes containing Tibetan Buddhist scriptures. They are stacked on tables in front of the chanting monks.

This guy had no teeth. Every time he saw the camera raised to my eye he posed this pose. I took the camera down and he'd smile the toothless grin that I really wanted to capture. I tried multiple times to no avail. He won!

Our favorite toilet! I put this here to see if you'd make it this far. Mom - feel free to skip this paragraph, I know how you feel about potty humor. Most "charpis" were two boards over a hole or occasionally a porcelain squatty potty with some water running in it. The Sherpa commode is the usual hole but with all this compost material which makes it a much less stinky affair. Therefore when we got to the lodge in Phortse and they had gone to such great lengths (building this wooden box and putting a western seat on it) I felt compelled to rejoice ... and to sit a spell (smile ... oversharing perhaps?). You know, it's the little things in life, isn't it?

The runway at Lukla. I am not kidding.

This was a once in a lifetime experience for me. I still can't believe I got to go! Even though we chatted and laughed all the time there was still plenty of time to just reflect and think as we hiked. I wonder if I might return when my kids are older ... but by then I'll be older too and Lord knows I'm pretty old now! I am just so grateful that I had the health and the opportunity to make the trip. The majesty of these mountains is humbling. I loved the quiet, the varied terrain, the flora and fauna, the chance to MOVE. Amazing!

And so there you have it ... for the most part anyway.

Namaste and Tashi Teleg!

What will you miss ...

2009-04-29T18:55:00.006+07:00

We are on that downhill ride towards leaving in three months which means there are lots of guests and more "lasts" than "firsts". For four of the past six weeks we have had friends and family visit or been on vacation. Next week I'm going away on a "mommy trek" for a week (read - excited beyond belief but completely anxious about leaving my kiddos). Where is the time going?

During our interminable ride home (one thing I will not miss) from piano lessons today I asked the girls what they will miss about Kathmandu. Here is what they said:

1) Our helpers: Ram, Mana, Om, Shankar and Shyam. They have become like family to us.

2) Their friends and classmates and teachers.

3) Khaki (our dog that died last year).

4) Punkie Universe. This is a habitrail for children akin to a McDonalds playplace. I think they have been there three times. Sigh - Kids.

5) Dhara Hara. Although they see it almost daily they've never been there! Also known as Bhimsen's Folly it is a century plus old Arabian knights looking tower that is a landmark here. I've promised Kit we'll climb it before we leave.

6) Monkeys and Cows in the streets.

7) Our house here (which of course is not ours at all).

I thought it was an interesting summary of what is important to them and what kinds of things they hang their emotional hats on. I was glad that their first responses were primarily relationships and then following, things that give them a sense of place and are unique to here.

When I asked them what they will be looking forward to they said their grandparents, their house and the Cherry Blossoms - smile.

After the trek I should have a breather and will be able to edit and post some pictures of the above to edit this post. But I wanted to get it up anyway ... time's a tickin' away.

All for now and a few .... Namaste!

Storesitting

2009-04-16T15:56:00.002+07:00

Oh this is classic! I walked into a very cute little boutique here (they do exist) a few weeks ago because I had been eyeing a very cool long black coat and thought it just might be sale time since it has warmed up quite a bit. No one was there, but a handyman did let me in to try it on. It fit - yahooo - and I wrote a note to the proprietor (small town - we've met several times) saying I was interested in the coat - would she mind calling me when convenient. Her sales person called shortly - she was "sooo sorry" she missed me and yes the coat was on sale. I told her I'd love it and would she hold it for me since I was leaving the next day for vacation. "No problem" she said.

I returned from our vacation and have tried to stop by the shop a few times. The first time there was a note on the door "back at 2:30". Oh well. The next time - just closed - no particular reason. But the other day I went again and lo and behold it was open and occupied by a human being! When I told her why I was there she said she was just minding the store but wasn't supposed to sell anything. Someone would be back in a week. It just cracked me up.

Yesterday I received a call from the shop. "Oh we keep missing each other!" the sales woman said. "Yes - we do. I'll be in again soon", I said. "Why don't you call first ...or I can give you my mobile phone number ... just in case" was her response.

Ah the market system at work - it is a beautiful thing.

Bunnies, Chicks, Eggs Etc!

2009-04-16T10:05:00.004+07:00

We really did have a meaningful Holy Week. Really. The girls really did look sweet in their Easter dresses. But Mommy only brought her camera to the Easter Egg hunt at Phora. So here we are!

Now Mr. and Mrs. Bunny were also Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Christmas AND Fred and Wilma Flintstone at Halloween. Impressive costume repertoire, no?

Cookie decorating ... always a winner with my kiddos!

It was hot, hot, hot on Saturday. Lindsay insisted on wearing this turtleneck. I don't argue about these kind of things.

Baboo vacillated a bit ... bunny, chick, bunny, chick? Bunny won.

The hunt began! Over a thousand eggs were planted around the Phora compound. Within ten minutes not ONE was left unturned - it was hilarious. They have a separate area for the toddler set which helps the little ones actually claim a few eggs of their own without having to compete with the big kids. Swift was clearly concentrating very hard!

Then Swift was DELIGHTED to show Mr. Bunny his take!

Our friend has used this chicken costume not only for this event but on other "costume" occasions. You know, when he was making that critical packing list "Things I MUST bring to a developing country" - this made the cut. I bet it would make the emergency evacuation list too (smile). I had several posed shots of Mr. Spring Chicken with the kids - but I liked this candid far better.

So this all had nothing to do with Easter ... but it was a fun day!

Namaste!

Caught!

2009-04-14T16:47:00.006+07:00

Someone loves Easter egg hunts. All three of the hoodlums were sufficiently "choclified" (that's in the dictionary, isn't it?) but this picture made me laugh. "You caught me mommy ... but I'm cute, right?!" Here is my little guy in his sister's Easter hat, his bunny face painting and just a liiiiiiitle easter chocolate.

I Heart Faces is looking for those Easter/Spring faces - go check it out!

A Little Break ... A Little Brain Leak.

2009-04-03T23:46:00.004+07:00

My brother refers to verbal downloads of information as Data Dumps. My brain isn't firing on all cylinders so this is more of a disjointed slow leak.

The past month we have had family in (yayyyy!) - it was about time to break in the guest room a little more. We also filled up the girls' spring break with a trip to Thailand and a little camp here. It has been busy and I am tired. Happy tired, but tired.

We parted ways with my husband at the Bangkok airport last weekend so he could go to HAWAII (ahem, ahem) for ... WORK. Normally I wouldn't share such a thing, thereby divulging that I am here solo with my hoodlums because, well, that just isn't a safe thing to do. But I just don't think there are any psycho Nepalis over here who give a rip enough about this blog to read it and launch an attack. Furthermore, we have bars on our windows, alarms, guards around the clock and a walled compound with gagillion foot high spiky bars. We have steel plates on the doors. The roving security patrol comes by all the time just to "check on things". And, shockingly, it does not feel like a fortress. Oh, one last thing ... the German Shepherd of unusually large size prowls the compound. Grrrrrr. Do you think I scared anyone off?

Other exciting headlines? I finally put Swift in underwear. Thomas the Tank Engine unders to be exact. He is still ... um ... figuring out what they are for. Or more precisely, what they can and can't contain. Potty training is my least favorite parenting job for sure. Other people's children are all miraculous to me in this area!

The embassy asked if we wanted energy saving lights put in. "But of course!" I said - Green isn't only for St. Patrick's Day after all! They are AWFUL. Our house is lit like an all night diner or a horror flick. They are dim and fluorescent - YUKKKKK.

We are on the official countdown for our move back to the States at the end of July and my thoughts turn continually to the projects ahead while we try to finish well here. I am anxious about how the kids will fare in the fall with new schools and a house renovation underway. I am excited about going back, yet I drive around the streets here knowing I will miss Kathmandu and am unlikely to return any time soon.

I am yawning. I am also rambling (grin). Time to go up and see which one of the little hoodlums has taken Daddy's side of the bed.

Namaste!

The Pout

2009-03-30T21:42:00.005+07:00

Wow ... no lack of drama in the faces here this week! I shot this little girl in our neighborhood ... and I don't think she was too happy about it.

Can dogs pout?

Go be inspired!

Creative Currency

2009-03-26T17:27:00.003+07:00

Phuket, Thailand

Lindsay was collecting shells on the beach today.

Lindsay: Mommy, what is this one?
Me: Oh that's a sand dollar honey - very cool!
Lindsay: Sand Dollar? Mermaid Money?

She cracks me up.

St. Paddy's Day

2009-03-18T18:03:00.003+07:00

Mom always celebrated St. Patrick's day big in our house. There were green bagels, green mashed potatoes (ok, so those weren't so appetizing), corned beef (no cabbage - thanks Mom) and the ceremonial green beer as well.

In honor of all the Torpeys, McCauleys and other Irish ancestors ... here was our day.

The hoodlums happily donned whatever green they had, including a headband with long green braids from my Mom. I fed them green, shamrock shaped pancakes. They baked sugar cookies with my Irish themed cookie cutters shaped like shamrocks, a pot of gold, and a leprechaun. We played Irish kiddie music all day. I fed them Irish Stew (not a hit, oh well) with Irish Soda Bread. We did not have green beer because I just plain forgot. Next year.

It was a blast. I'll post pictures when we come back from vacation.

I'm sure our celebration will be all the rage in Nepal next year.

Erin Go Bragh!

Keeping Connected In Our Crazy Expat Life

2009-03-12T21:36:00.004+07:00

I am a relational hound. I love and appreciate both the family I come from and the one we were blessed to help create. I know they say that blood is thicker than water but I'll tell you, my friends are right up there because they are the extended family I've chosen.

In my husband's line of work we move ... a lot. My seven year old has lived in four homes and gone to two schools so far. Yet, I value continuity, consistency and deep relational connection so very, very much.

So what can we do to foster those things as we move, move, move? This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is what we are able to do in this season of life. I am also reminded that no on promises us tomorrow, so what we do today is always important. Have I said "I love you" to my husband and kids today? Have I actively tried to "be a blessin'" to them as I tell my kids to be every time they leave the house?

Here is my list:

1) The biggest constant in my children's lives are us right now. Bill works a lot but if he has to work at night he often comes home to put the kids to bed and so that we can connect about our day.
2) Praise the Lord for Skype. My parents got to see Swift's early steps from the other side of the planet, live! The kids can talk to their cousins. I get to wear my jammies for all my near and dear ones to see and mock (smile). I "see" my friends and family for free. It has to be one of the biggest boons ever for we global nomads.
3) We do have a family meal and it is breakfast. Bill's work day is too long to make it dinner. I imagine as the kids get older and schedules change this will change, but I am grateful for it now.
4) We have some routines. I sit with the kids for their after school snack to ask and hear about their days. We all snuggle up to read every night before bedtime. We have pizza and ice cream out once a week or so. We go to Sunday worship together. Not terribly creative - but very comforting.
5) We don't do play dates or activities on weekends because it is family time ... unless it is a whole family play date and we like those!
6) I try to celebrate both the little firsts and the big milestones. Any holiday is an excuse to celebrate something together.
7) The bedrock foundation under all this is primarily our faith. Our second priority is our marriage and from those two, we hope, the deepest and most satisfying connections are forged on all levels.

This is my first mental pass at this and I'll give it more thought. Go see what others are thinking on this topic here. Heidi has a "Living Lovely with Family" Mr. Linky going on!

Namaste

SITS Spring Fling ...

2009-03-10T23:42:00.005+07:00

And the winner is .... Kat at Sunshine and Lemonade!!

In the spirit of solidarity with the Sitstas over at The Secret is in the Sauce ... I will give away a summer weight Nepali pashmina in a color of your choice! They are 70%cashmere and 30%silk and tissue thin.

Leave me a comment with your dream color and I'll pick a winner using random number generator (Ok so I've never used this thing ... but I've seen it elsewhere and I'll figure it out or if that fails ... I will pick a number out of a hat.)

It is bedtime here in Nepal so I'll miss most of this party but good luck to all!

Namaste!

Holi '09 - Dodging the Dye!

2009-03-10T19:49:00.003+07:00

Holi is called the Festival of Colors. Historically, its religious significance is that Krishna's Aunt Holi was killed before she could kill her nephew. I don't know why she wanted to kill her nephew - jealousy perhaps. The holiday is mostly celebrated by children and young adults who stalk the streets in packs. They throw water balloons with different colored dye in them and attack each other from rooftops and windows. Motorcycles speed by driven by metallic painted faces. Everyone's clothes are a wreck - but everybody is smiling.

I had to brave it to get these shots! Not exactly combat photography but I was hiding behind and in the car trying to avoid getting hit the whole time. (I wasn't worried about me - I'm washable - but my camera!!!)

This last group cheered when they saw my camera. They were having a good ol' time!

So Happy Holi to you - don't forget to look up.

Maha Shiva Ratri - The Kids

2009-03-04T22:39:00.002+07:00

I have been a lazy blogger of late but I promise to catch up.

Last week was Shiva Ratri. While most people associate this holiday with the ganja smoking Sadhus at Pashupati (yes ... I will post those soon!), it is also a holiday for the kids here in Kathmandu and they make the most of it.

Gangs of kids line the side streets to put up their rope road blocks and demand rupees from the captive passers by. They will use the day's take to buy sweets at the end of the day. It is all kind of cute but you can tell the motorists get annoyed by the end of day and practically gun the poor things down.

I took these right outside our gate. I brought out some lollipops for the kids and they hammed it up a bit.

Sort of like a snow day!

Waiting for their next victims.

Caught. Pay up big guy!

OK, we'll break for a minute to pose for you but we are keepin' our eyes on the prize down the road Madam!

I took a bunch of shots of this little guy.

I'll post the Pashupati Sadhus soon. Namaste!

Messy!

2009-03-03T15:48:00.004+07:00

I laughed when I read the theme for this week at I Heart Faces: Messy!

How many messy pictures do I have of my kids? This was a good lesson in archiving well. I know I have them but where in the heck were they? Adults are a bit harder to catch being messy but even better when they are:). If this week's theme was just a week later I could have captured pictures of this year's "Holi" - a very messy affair.

My child entry is my little girl ENJOYING that ice cream - I love the color and the expression!

The adult entry was shot during Holi last year.

The Tea Party

2009-03-03T14:11:00.003+07:00

We tend to focus on big milestones in our children's development but yesterday was a reminder of the many small wonders and joys we get to witness and be thankful for.

Lindsay asked me to join her tea party. She turned over a cardboard box, set out the plastic tea ware (including broken crayons for tea sandwiches) on it and said I had a special place set aside just for me. She made me color her a picture first and not show it to her and then she placed my picture, rolled up, in front of her place and one she did for me placed in front of mine. When we sat down she poured our "tea", encouraged me to eat ("Eat Mommy!!!") and then declared it was time to see our pictures. She unfurled the one she had drawn for me and proceeded to explain, in detail, what it was all about. I did the same - not as detailed to be sure.

When I looked across at my little five year old I just filled up. She looked like a miniature Eliza Doolittle with her very dirty face and straw hat with plastic flowers set askance. She was so earnest about her tea party and so delighted to share it. Her still baby toothed smile just lit up her little face. This won't last long and I was really cherishing the moment.

There have been countless tea parties at our house with two little girls. Some more elaborate, some simple like this one. Some of them have had various stuffed animals as guests. I think I liked this one the best.

Black and White

2009-02-24T22:31:00.004+07:00

This week is formal over at I Heart Faces. It is "Black and White" week!

I love black and white photography. Almost all of the pictures of my kids that are actually framed and displayed in our home are in B&W. I think they are so classic and timeless. This week I entered pictures of my sweet girl and my sweet Dad!

I can't wait to see all the entries. Go check it out!

The Slumdog Celebration

2009-02-24T15:14:00.004+07:00

I have no idea how the Oscars played out in the States this year. I won't hear the Monday morning quarterbacking or post mortem of who wore what. I will tell you that it was a very, very big deal for South Asians, most notably Indians.

The large Indian broadcaster that we can watch here in Nepal had advertised that they would show the Oscars live at 6:30 am with a prime time reprise that evening. Rooting for Slumdog I was up in my jammies and turned on the TV. Nothing, nada, nic, niet - no Oscars and no explanation. While surfing to see if I had just made some mistake I happened on Indian CNN. There was NO OTHER story the whole day other than to learn the fate of Slumdog Millionaire at the Academy Awards. They had a split screen with scenes from the movie running on one side and interviews with various second cousins once removed of anyone who had anything to do with the movie on the other. The ticker running across the bottom of the screen would give you the latest updates from inside the Kodak Theatre.

Needless to say Slumdog Millionaire (which I did see here and loved) cleaned up. Cities and towns all across India erupted in cheers. It doesn't matter that the producers and director were not Indian. They felt that somehow Indian cinema had been given a global audience and been deemed worthy. The jubilation! The slums of Mumbai were nonstop fodder for the newsmen. I know it was just entertainment - not "real" news - but watching it play out was fascinating. In a part of the world where religious and caste discrimination have historically played out in a dramatic fashion, the idea that disparate groups would coalesce around a movie is remarkable to me.

So for the underdogs, true love and those who just wish for better .... Jai Ho!!!

Boudha with Baboo

2009-02-20T16:21:00.006+07:00

Boudha is one of those places I rarely go to but lots of people we know here spend a lot of time there. Like most Buddhist temples it is clean and quiet. When you enter the stupa area you circumambulate clockwise - spinning prayer wheels if you are a devotee. There are no monkeys to harrass you and a bevy of shops and teahouses have grown up around the stupa to cater to those who visit. It is a nice little change of pace so one morning Baboo and I went for a little visit.

(I also wanted to check out some of the Tibetan furniture - shhhhh).

Prayer flags - you can see the Tibetan writing on them.

The Stupa.

Baboo - taking it in.

More prayer flags.

And finally, a little Tibetan boy.

We all should be tourists wherever we live sometimes!

Wonderful!

2009-02-18T22:33:00.006+07:00

Oh happy day .... lookie here!

It is "wonder" week at I Heart Faces.

I love this shot of this woman. I wonder what she is wondering about?

Our nephew in wonder and awe at his own birthday party!

Have a wonderful week!

For the Love of Chocolate! Valentines Day '09

2009-02-15T21:05:00.003+07:00

Valentines Day. I really do have selective amnesia because as I recall Valentines Days of Old the memories are only slowly rising to the surface. Repression baby - it ain't all bad!!!

You know, there was adolescence. It makes me both laugh and cringe just to think about it. In High School the "Keyettes" sold roses (or was it carnations?) in red, pink and white - denoting, of course, was this "LOVE", "like", or ... the dreaded, "just friends" (only given by girls to girls anyway!). Ugh. Then there were my single years (which went on and on and on - smile). Sometimes there was a significant other, sometimes not, but the day always felt so ... so ... loaded!

One positive memory was a college boyfriend who was in an 'a cappella' singing group. They all came over to the house where I was living (with about thirty or so other college women) and sang before my boyfriend and I went out to dinner - very nice. Another Valentines Day several years later the person I was sorta-kinda dating at the time came over with a cactus or some other equally romantic plant life. I am cracking up as I type. Needless to say that romance didn't go very far. Bill actually thinks that Valentines Day is a manufactured Hallmark holiday - but he humors me anyway.

So while it is the day of loooooove for most people I really now believe it is all about CHOCOLATE. Yep - it is a day to celebrate my favorite food group! An old roommate of mine used to say "I know that chocolate is full of fat, sugar and caffeine but it makes me euphoric and it's worth it." I wholeheartedly agree. And thankfully, I have a friend on the same wavelength.

The last three years my friend here Marcela, who is a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef, has had a "Chocolate Dinner" on Valentine's Day. Not only is this always a fabulous meal, it is always fabulous company as well. This year, as in the past, each course had chocolate in it - in a very subtle way.

The menu:

Goat cheese wrapped in roasted peppers with a balsamic chocolate glaze.
Carrot ginger soup with a surprise of chocolate sauce on the bottom of the bowl.
Black and white tortellini, stuffed with goat cheese and black olives. (The black tortellini was made of a chocolate pasta)
Pepper Pistachio crusted salmon over roasted veggies with a chocolate barbecue sauce.
Chocolate Cake with vanilla cream.
Chocolate biscotti at your place to take home with you.

One year she had chocolate martinis. Ummm. Yum!!! Even though this is sadly our last one to share in her dining room, it is not the last Chocolate Dinner. I have decided it will be our new tradition! And I'll raise a glass to Marcela - and to the Cocoa Bean.

Happy Valentines Day!

Oh So Silly!

2009-02-11T10:23:00.008+07:00

It is "silly" week at I Heart Faces - go check it out!

I only have one entry for this week's theme. I really didn't have any "adult" shots in the arsenal that were "silly" ... which I thought was kind of pathetic given that we are a very silly bunch in this house - adults included!

Namaste!

Happy Birthday Swift!

2009-02-09T21:59:00.003+07:00

My littlest guy is three. I can't believe it - where, oh where, is the little baby I brought to Kathmandu two and half years ago?

He is funny and expressive and oh how we all love him.

I love his love of books ... and pray he keeps it up!

Swift can't wait to get outside and play, even in monsoon rains.

Busy, busy, busy.

And just too cute. I love you little man. Happy Birthday!!

Confessions of a Slacker Mommy

2009-02-05T18:15:00.002+07:00

I actually do have a few pictures I could posted with this but ... that would mean I would have downloaded them, which I have not. See, a slacker!

Yesterday I took Swift to the birthday party of another little girl in his playgroup. She is an only child of delightful, doting parents. She turned three. Let me paint the scene for you. The party was on the grounds of one of the very nice hotels in town. There were roaming costumed characters (who did NOT freak my little guy out for once - go figure?!) and face painters. There were games and rides. Swift could hardly be peeled off the seat of the little choo choo train that went around and around and around and around. There was a moon bounce and a magic show. There was a lovely meal for both children and adults. There was a chocolate fondue fountain - smile. A special CD was playing that had been especially recorded with the little girl's name in all the songs. I am sure I left a few details out but I think you get the picture.

A lovely party with very generous hosts. So what is my issue? Swift's birthday is only three days later. Guess what his Mama has planned????!!! A choo choo train birthday cake with the family ... and another one for playgroup at our house on Monday. I did order some balloons!

Truth be told I find throwing kiddie birthday parties somewhat terrifying. I pretty much thought this was the last time I could get away with not actually having one as he is still in slightly clueless mode. Entertain politicians and peers? No problem. The thought of a dozen little faces looking at me potentially being bored does kind of freak me out though.

So sorry little guy - Mama is just a slacker!

The Eyes Have It!

2009-02-02T23:42:00.005+07:00

This week at I Heart Faces the theme is "The eyes have it"!

I love this picture of a little boy peering out of his father's antique car.

Isn't she gorgeous?

I couldn't resist this picture given the theme. We kept this guy only long enough for the kids to see him and then let him go. There will be other weeks for our beloved German Shepherd pup.

Go and see - oh the inspiration!

A Bit Greener, A Bit Healthier ... Maybe

2009-02-02T18:29:00.003+07:00

There have been things about living in Nepal that have definitely made me eager to be a better steward of our environment. I won't give you a laundry list of what they are. There are a whole host of things that I will be greener about "when we get home". In some ways it would be easier to be green here - we have a staff! I was about to write about how we don't have access to some of the products one might use in the effort to be more environmentally responsible but upon reflection that isn't true. Resolution - we certainly can be using non-chemical cleaning products. Vinegar does exist here. Settled. Smile.

We often chuckle about "organic" food here. Who the heck knows? Is it all organic? Or, they are using highly toxic chemicals from China? But there are places that say they are and we do the best we can.

There are fresh baked goods in our home every day (which I have little to do with except when it involves large amounts of sugar and fat and then I am the Pastry Chef). Ram Dhai makes whole wheat sandwich bread, pita bread, tortillas, sour dough bread and amazing bagels. He makes fresh yogurt and salsa among other things. He freezes the in season items for the off season. While I won't be the master bread baker when we return there are many things I will continue to do myself and much I have learned from him. Taco seasoning - just toooo easy to make yourself instead of buying a packet full of chemicals. Granola? I make a batch a week for the yogurt.

These are all small things but I am thankful for these threads in my tapestry just because of our season here.

Peace ... and some healthier livin' to you!

I Heart Faces!

2009-01-29T00:09:00.007+07:00

Yesterday I opened an email from the Community Liaison Officer at the Embassy saying they were looking for "Nepali Faces" for a large frame in the lobby. Bill copied it to me separately and encouraged me to submit a few.

Then ... I saw this wonderful photography website where you enter your work each week and guest judges look them over and choose their favorite each week. (This aspect completely intimidates me but I decided to put on my big girl panties and get over it.)

I completely love and am humbled by my little photography dream begun a year and a half ago.

So ... I took these wonderful faces while taking a walk in the 'hood last October. The theme this week is "Joy". Joy is a word that is easy to depict when you are photographing Nepalis.

Namaste!

Update: I couldn't believe it ... well lookie here! Made my day. Heck, my week:).

Great Ghat! Pashupati

2009-01-20T13:08:00.010+07:00

We took a recent houseguest to the top of the list of KTM's greatest hits: Pashupatinath. The Pashupati temple complex is a sprawling area along the Bagmati river that is one of the most sacred sites in the Hindu world. The inner sanctum is open only to Hindus but others can walk around the rest of the complex at will. There are always resident and visiting Sadhus, or holy men, as above. (I posted about Shiva Ratri and the Sadhus here.) It is fascinating and it is grim.

Along the ghats (steps leading down to the river) are burning platforms where Hindus cremate their dead. One is reserved for royalty. One is reserved for the wealthy or "important". The rest of the burning ghats are for everyone else. The very day people die their bodies are brought to Pashupati either by foot (bare!) on bamboo poles or nowadays often by ambulance. The Brahmin priests, dressed all in white, attend to the fire. The oldest son begins by putting a burning stick in the deceased's mouth. Once this catches the body is further covered in straw and kindling and the priests stoke the flames. These are not raging pyres, but a slow, steady consumption of the body that housed a soon to be unfettered soul . The family will sit vigil while their loved ones are cremated. It takes about three hours. The ashes are swept off into the Bagmati where children troll for any gold fillings or jewelery. Some families might keep some ashes to spread on other sacred rivers.

This platform has been prepared for the next mourning party to arrive.

This was a woman - a mother. Her head was exposed as I watched her son begin the ritual. Heart rending stuff. The priest covered her head a few minutes later. I just couldn't take a picture before this point.

I took this from the other side of the river. The platform on the left is the same as the one in the last picture. The decorated platform on the right is waiting for someone of higher station - possibly a member of the military. The alcoves behind the platforms are where the mourners wait.

It sounds incredibly gruesome to western sensibilities but I don't think it is. There is no denial when you see one of these parting scenes. It is respectful and the living have a somewhat complicated grieving ritual and schedule ahead involving head shaving and fasting.

It sure ain't the Liberty Bell! This is one of many temple bells with the year inscribed 1964 (Nepali year) which means it was made in 1908.

My reluctant Sadhu. He wasn't thrilled to have his picture taken since no rupees were to cross his hand. But he sneaked a peek anyway.

Other parts of the complex include gender separated homes for the dying. People from far away want to die at or near Pashupati. Ironically there are also two homes run by the Sisters of Charity (Mother Teresa's order); a home for the elderly and a home for children. Bless these women who are called to just BE with the suffering - all day, every day. They amaze me.

Namaste.

Dang Dogmandu!

2009-01-17T17:57:00.005+07:00

This is a classic Kathmandu Street Dog. They usually leave all humans alone. Niiiice puppies.

Last week a dog bit me. It wasn't a street dog but some little white fluffy dog on a leash. It was unprovoked! I was outraged! Not really - but I was bummed about having to have two extra rabies shots. You might expect such behavior from these poor things on the street - but the little Princess?! Oh well.

The funnier moment, however, was when I posted this on my status line on Facebook. A woman I went to school with who is now an attorney commented that I should pursue a personal injury claim. (She has no idea where I am living.) My friends who live here and saw that pretty much just howled. Nepalis don't even carry insurance for the most part. (And I'm not the litigious type).

I think this one is just waiting for Dr. Jha to arrive so he can have the first appointment. Ha.

It is all okay - I'm gonna live! And laugh a little.

Namaste.

Lindsay's BOB Books

2009-01-15T17:18:00.003+07:00

Dear Lindsay,

What a big day for you! You so proudly embarked on reading the written word and devouring your first box of BOB books. May the world of words unfold before you and take you any and everywhere you will ever dream.

Who knew that "Matt sat on a cat"? Not so interesting ... but thrilling just the same.

Kudos my little girl - I'm proud of you!

Love,
Mommy

The List

2009-01-11T23:09:00.003+07:00

As always there is something fun or interesting going on at Heidi's. I never think of these things but they are fun!

Feel free to copy, answer and post - and let me know you did in a comment.

Items in blue are ones that I have done. Items with an * are ones on the 'to-do in my lifetime' list.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band. (um ... the school band ... I'm not that cool:))
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower*
6. Given more than you can afford to charity*
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (and heard everyone scream and run for cover? No.)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch (hmm, not sure)
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
8. Grown your own vegetables*
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (the Hamlet pool with all my girlfriends before we left for college. I believe we got caught)
27. Run a Marathon (I am really pretty sure God did not intend for us to do this:))
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse*
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (how about Struck out.. a lot!)
32. Been on a cruise*
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (not all of them:))
35. Seen an Amish community*
36. Taught yourself a new language (taught myself, no - studied, oh my yes)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt*
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant*
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance (completely embarrassing - it wasn't an emergency)
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (well, not the *very* top)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie* (just once for fun!!?)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China*
57. Started a business*
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia*
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (hated this)
62. Gone whale watching*
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter*
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person*
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (this one SO does not appeal to me!)
88. Had chickenpox (I was 26 - no fun)
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury* (I've only been called once and I was having a baby at the time so didn't serve!)
91. Met someone famous (as in shook hands - not had a conversation.)
92. Joined a book club (or two, or three)
93. Lost a loved one (not other than elderly grandparents)
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone (lost a cell phone, owned another one, lost another one)
99. Been stung by a bee (I stepped on a nest as a kid - ouch ouch ouch)

I think that is it! Peace.

Sorry baby, vacation is over.

2009-01-09T22:35:00.003+07:00

Today was it. The last day of winter vacation. Back to the salt mines on Monday. Sigh.

I have really, really enjoyed this break! I loved having the kids home more. They slept a little (and I do mean a little) more. I let them watch a few more movies. We had special breakfasts on weekdays too. Lindsay started reading her BOB books and is thrilled. We went to the school library, which was open this week, to check out more books. Both girls picked out all kinds of animal books. I got Jane Eyre for my book club read.

I have never been one to have New Year's resolutions. I usually do my "goal setting" on an academic calendar. Yet there is something that feels very "new" about this year indeed. Maybe it is anticipating the changes that this year will bring with moving back to the States next summer and having new schools for all the kids. I have the desire to embark on some internal and external spring cleaning.

Maybe this zen state of mind was brought on by a foot massage I had today (big smile). Whatever the reason, it is time to get back to packing backpacks and lunch boxes. I'm a little bit sad about it! But I am also feeling grateful for the important things that happened in 2008 and hopeful for the same in '09.

Oh ... I also installed Photoshop yesterday. I have not a CLUE how to use the darn thing but I'm still excited about it. I had to tell somebody. (Lawsie, someone get this woman a friend!)

Peace to you this new year and namaste!

Christmas Memories 2008

2008-12-30T17:41:00.007+07:00

As I knew would happen I really didn't get to post much during the month. We had a really wonderful Christmas full of activity, but there was also some time to relax and reflect a bit. My time is short as we have a houseguest arriving tomorrow and the computer is in the guest room! Ah, c'est la vie. Here are some pictures from the past few weeks.

The family Advent service each Sunday and Christmas Day.

Christmas outfits from Nana, waiting for Daddy to come home so we can go to the Christmas Eve Service. The kids even remembered the sermon theme - "This was a VERY special baby!"

Sugar cookies for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer!

Christmas morning ... we are SO ready to go downstairs Mom and Dad!

Daddy and Swift, checking out directions to the Thomas Trains.

Our sweet Asha actually looks a little menacing here! She really enjoyed jumping over the gift wrapping. We do own a doggie Santa hat but we didn't subject her to it this year.

Contextualized Santa at the girl's school. It was amazing -- Santa made at least four different appearances in Kathmandu this year! The sartorial wonder had a different version of the Santa outfit for each occasion! What a busy guy!

Santa wears Tibetan boots and a Doga basket - who knew he was so culturally attuned?

He even arrived in a little green electric car.

Lastly, I love the little hands making Christmas cookies.

Namaste!

Merry Christmas to all ... and to all a good night!

2008-12-25T23:26:00.005+07:00

It is Christmas night. The gift carnage is cleaned up - sort of. The candles are blown out. We are fat and happy. It's time to interview WonderBill.

Me: So honey how are you doing?
Bill: I'm great. I'm happy - we had a very nice Christmas. I'm thankful.

Me: So what was the highlight of Christmas Day for you?
Bill: Probably, Kit taking the sheet off of her bicycle and seeing her be so happy. It was ..

Me: Can I edit.
Bill: Yes

Bill continued: It was great to see Swift playing with his trains and Lindsay with her scooter.

Me: Who is your favorite wife?
Bill: My one and only of course.

Me: Right answer honey! So, did you miss your egg nog?
Bill: I did. But that rum drink was quite tasty. Some Portuguese/Brazilian name I can't pronounce.

Me: And you call yourself a diplomat. That would the Christmas Caipirinha. It was good.
So what other morsels might be of interest to my dear bleaders?
Bill: There is no snow but there is a new wacky shop down our street that is selling blow up Santas and plastic Christmas trees. It is not a holiday here of course. They were offering me Christmas discounts at the stores yesterday though.

Me: Shopping ... yesterday ... Christmas Eve. Oh honey. Well ... I think we are pretty darn exhausted and can't put together two sentences properly so it may be time to end this.

Bill is now counting the number of vehicles in the garage: bicycles, tricycles, plastic cars, push toys etc. etc.

Me: So how do I end this Bills?
Bill: It's bedtime.
Me: Good idea.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Santa and the Hoochie Girl!

2008-12-19T23:03:00.004+07:00

The title made you look. Admit it.

Today was the last day of school before the holidays and the traditional "Santa Show" was held to kick off the three weeks of sleeping in and waffles for breakfast. Since my girls go to an International School it was duly multicultural in content. Also, since people come from all types of faith backgrounds it was fairly sanitized but with a very real attempt to give equal time. Mostly it was all fun and frivolity as the kids sang a variety of "holiday" songs, danced around and had a good ol' time.

This would all not be so interesting to blog about except for two things that happened.

1) A highlight of the season! Santa arrived in a green electric car. He is so PC! He was wearing Tibetan shoes and had something wrapped around his head that may have been housing a family of chipmunks. He wore an amazing set of bells around his waist that he shook and rang with every Ho Ho Ho. I understand that a few years ago he came on an elephant. And I thought the rickshaw was hard to beat. He was suitably enthusiastic. He boogied with the best of them. Lindsay still declared him a fake. Cynic. She's only five.

2) Oh where to start with this one? Well it seems that the middle school students have been learning salsa. Their teacher and her partner were there to do a little demo. She came in with silver sequined shoes and a jacket with silver sequins on the shoulders. So far so good - performance attire, I get it. At the last minute she stripped off the jacket and, well, she wasn't wearing much. Yep, those adolescent boys were really bummed. I was thinking about how to explain her attire (or lack thereof) to my little girls. I'm sure the powers that be had no idea this was going to happen - aye yai yai.

I'm being snarky. I almost didn't post this because I am being snarky. But quite honestly I just get both sad and angry at innocence being stolen from my children. I know it won't be the last time something like this happens - but I can still rant a little.

But as a wonderful Nigerian man said to me many years ago .... "Don't let it rob you of your Joy!". He was right.

Wedding Season

2008-12-17T15:04:00.005+07:00

The astrologers consulted the stars and have deemed that this is the auspicious month for weddings. Dotted throughout the city you see the florists decorating the cars that will carry the various members of the wedding party during the multi day festivities.

The other day we heard a band approaching on our street and I grabbed my camera. The kids ran out onto the street in bare feet to get a glimpse of the red sari clad bride and to clap and cheer as the parade passed by. Sometimes the bands are quite rag tag, and sometimes they are decked out in finery, but the spirit of celebration is the same.

For this particular wedding the main ceremony has already taken place and the bride and groom are headed, together, to the groom's home for yet another party.

The horns blow (sometimes during the wee small hours I might add) ...

and the women, old ...

and young, join the throng.

Finally the bride and groom follow along with the men.

There are no "just married" signs but lately I've seen a few hearts with "S+L" written in them. Grin.

Apart from the inevitable ending to a Bollywood movie I haven't been to a wedding ceremony yet. But I would love to! I'll keep you posted.

Breathe.

2008-12-14T22:41:00.002+07:00

We are in the midst of the holiday sprint. We have gone to cookie parties, Christmas concerts, gathering after gathering and this week promises a few more. Someone shot off a gun two weeks ago and here we are. And I know, I know that while fun, this is the chaff that is blown away.

We have a house guest we are delighted to have. We have a car full of the church's Angel Tree presents for the children of Nepali inmates. We have Christmas cards waiting to be written. We have gifts waiting to be purchased, wrapped and put under the tree Christmas Eve. We have, we have, we have.

Lord, in the midst of this plenty and this activity let us stop and breathe. Breathe you in so that we may exhale your love and goodness to a broken world and to our own broken souls. May our focus be on the miracle of your loving us enough to come and give true hope. Amen.

Reindeer are so passe!

2008-12-07T22:26:00.003+07:00

Kathmandu Christmas Kickoff was Santa arriving on a rickshaw. Poor reindeer. Unemployment is hitting everybody.

Swift wouldn't get near the guy. (And he is the same person who freaked him out by being Fred Flintstone at Halloween. It's a small town.)

This is our third and last Christmas in Kathmandu. Our first Christmas felt like the holiday that almost didn't happen. Our HHE (Household Effects - aka "boxes o' stuff") didn't arrive until the week before Christmas. (We all needed socks, badly.) Christmas came and the kids were delighted but I felt, well, distracted. Then last year we returned to the States for Bill's Dad's military burial at Arlington in December. We arrived back in KTM on the 23rd. Again, Christmas came but I wasn't fully in holiday gear.

This year is different. We are here all month. Lots of time for putting up a tree, celebrating Advent , making cookies (and gingerbread houses, and peppermint bark, and anything else I can come up with) and all the other things that happen at holiday time.

I hope I have time to post a bit this month in spite of the heightened activity level. The kids are are at a great age to both enjoy and understand Christmas. We really just find ourselves incredibly grateful.

Happy second week of Advent!

Mustang Pony Trek - The final installment

2008-12-02T22:21:00.004+07:00

Where was I? I have no idea so this will be nearly wordless ...

Girl in Jomsom

We stepped aside periodically to let a herd or two pass.

Marpha - the apple capital of Nepal. Who knew?

Sweet picture of Lindsay with her Daddy.

Marpha

Terrible picture but it made me laugh. These were our guides for the trek: Tek and Dil. I think we were saying "ice cream!" or something like that.

Now this was cool. The girls went fossil hunting along the riverbank in Kagbeni and found several. They made for heavy souvenirs but when was the last time you picked up a fossil?

Aww.

Trying to keep Swift out of the ritual bathing area at Muktinath Temple.

When you are tired of the pony ... there is always Daddy.

They are SO serious about snack time.

My trek memories are starting to fade already but I wanted to finish posting about it anyway. We were so grateful to be able to see the raw and beautiful landscape that is lower Mustang. Hopefully the pictures will help the kids remember the experience.

Peace this season!

Turkey Day in the 'Du (or Happy Birthgiving to Me!)

2008-11-28T10:06:00.002+07:00

Yesterday just cracked me up. I love Thanksgiving. The ultimate in egalitarian holidays. Thanksgiving in expat communities is actually really fun because the normal "we are all in this together" feeling is just heightened. And being that it is usually only Americans in attendance, there is no cultural translation needed. We get to rest.

We usually host but this year we couldn't get our act together to invite people over early enough so we were guests instead. We went over to friends/colleagues down the street and gathered with our motley crew of fifteen or so. Everyone brought their Thanksgiving favorites.

You can't buy mini marshmallows in KTM but they do sell some nasty multicolored version. And yams here are white fleshed. (I did have an American friend who admitted to using food coloring one year just for nostalgia's sake - grin.) So you know that famous dish on many American Thanksgiving tables - the Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow topping? We had it alright. Turkey? Fear not - we all order outrageously expensive frozen imported turkeys. Worth every penny. Cranberry Sauce? Well, you can't buy it locally but I had some whole cranberries in the freezer from last year (when I unknowingly ordered $70 worth - don't ask) and someone had the canned jellied variety (sorry to devotees but .... yucko). Hmm, let's see all the other usual suspects were on the table - green beans, mashed spuds, etc. etc. Dessert (my favorite food group) - Apple Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin Pie - yada yada yada.

The guests? The head chef was a visiting friend of the host's who is a professional chef on tugboats in Alaska. How do people know these jobs exist? Before that she was a personal chef on private yachts in the Caribbean. All I can say is some folks get the gigs! Two women arrived mid meal from the airport (also friends of the hosts). They had just flown in from Bhutan where they were attending a conference on Gross National Happiness (ahem). The rest of us were just the usual collection of USG and Aid/Development workers. The whole scene just made me smile.

Oh ... and I turned 29 again. It was a great day.

Post Stuff Buffs?

2008-11-25T22:52:00.006+07:00

There has to be a term for what we are. There are "empty nesters" after all.

Our quick trip back to the States, though for the saddest of reasons, was one of the smoother trips we've had. Want to know why? Less baby paraphernalia. This was the first trip without a stroller or car seat in seven years. It was positively liberating. Then upon our return the little guy decided he'd had enough of the crib. After crawling out of it four times last night we knew the moment had come. The crib was dismantled today and a little toddler bed was set up. My sweet boy is in slumberland in his new bed tonight! He has a pillow and proper covers. Amazing.

Now there is one more hurdle to overcome to truly get to that state of bliss/stage of life that I haven't termed yet. Potty training. But it is out there - I can see it. While home I went to Chez Tarjay and bought the Superman unders in preparation.

So what do you call it when your baby is growing up and there isn't another one behind him? (For the record - our family is full - if I were ten years younger .... maybe. But I'm not - so we aren't. I'm OK with that. Hoping for lots of grandchildren ... no time soon however). An "empty trunker" because the trunk of your car is no longer filled with "objets de bebe"? Some sort of Dr. Seussian term? An acronym (POCWNLRS - Parents of Children Who No Longer Require Stuff)?

I don't know, but I'll take suggestions.

Happy to be home ... Namaste.

Go love on those you love ...

2008-11-10T22:00:00.003+07:00

Our family received the sad news of the death of a loved one today. He was the father of four and our hearts break for everyone. I won't be posting for a little while. We are trying to find flights home and these are the times when being so far away makes you feel so helpless.

We aren't promised tomorrow - so cherish those you love today.

Grace and Peace ... Laurel

Mustang Pony Trek - Part 3

2008-11-07T19:43:00.005+07:00

From Kagbeni to Muktinath ...

In the immortal words of Meg Ryan in ... what's that movie? " (inhale) Beautiful". There is no fall color in Kathmandu so we were particularly appreciating the changing leaves.

These solor cookers were everywhere. It will boil water in 30 minutes.

Another pathetic attempt at a family picture. Someone help these people!

Lindsay feeding her pony.

I could (and will!) do a whole post on intellectual theft/copyright infringment. Mostly it's just funny. Yakburger anyone? Yakmilk slurpee?

Basically this says "Don't litter" in much more flowery language.

Part 4 to come ...

Expat Election Day

2008-11-05T21:56:00.003+07:00

About a month ago, we voted by absentee ballot. But election day is election day so here we are.

While you voted, we slept. We woke up, turned on CNN ... no real news yet, the polls were still closing.

Later in the morning I took Baboo over to "Phora Durbar" (the American Club) where an election event for all Americans was being held. It was not the usual cast of characters which made it interesting. People ate breakfast, watched the returns (Swift played on the playground creating little donkeys and elephants in the sandbox. Kidding.) and chit chatted. Mixed in with the regulars, there were a lot of tourists - young and old- whom, for whatever reason are in KTM during this election and hopefully got a little dose of home during this important day.

The crowd cheered and clapped and cried. I teared up too. Living out of my country, however interesting, makes me appreciate home all the more. In spite of our many shortcomings, the US is still the land of idealism and opportunity. Both are in short supply here.

So indeed President-Elect Obama, God Bless America!

Mustang Pony Trek - Part 2

2008-11-04T22:17:00.004+07:00

Day 1: Jomsom to Kagbeni. None of these daily rides were very long but we stopped fairly often for breaks. Swift regaled me with his favorite tunage and demanded the all request and dedication hour as well. "Mommy sing lollipop song! Again!" Lindsay was on a mission to perfect her squatty potty technique (oops, oversharing.)

I couldn't really do any shooting while riding but tried to at breaks and when we reached our destination each day. My pictures just don't do justice.

Kagbeni is a primarily Tibetan community. A "road" was built to connect it to another village just last year. LAST.YEAR. I'm not kidding. Within the village there are no roads, just pathways for humans and livestock. Tourism is the only game in town. If there are no tourists the foot rots or is fed to the animals. The guest house we stayed at, though basic, was comfortable and the proprietors were incredibly warm and friendly. There was a 350 year old temple room in the middle of this guest house. Amazing.

Prayer Wheels

Prayer flags - a little worse for wear.

Hmm. Fancy.

Girl on a roof top across from our guest house.

Well ... once again I'll have to do this in parts. Bandwith in Nepal. Nonexistent.

Namaste ...

Mustang Pony Trek - Part 1

2008-11-02T22:03:00.005+07:00

We just returned from an amazing family trip to Lower Mustang. I only hope the girls will remember this well as it truly was a once in a lifetime experience.

We left Kathmandu and took the half hour flight to Pokhara, spent the night, and then got on this little plane. (Mom - aren't you glad I didn't tell you about this before we left?)

And then we landed on a little airstrip at this very little airport. It was just a tad unnerving.

We awaited our noble steeds. They were duly named Brown Beauty (because we are so original), Burpy (he had flatulence issues providing preschool humor for days and days) and Marguerite (because my two year old could only come up with names of his cousins when asked what he wanted to name his pony).

And this was the vista before us for our day's travel.

Just a teaser ....

Is it just me?

2008-11-01T07:30:00.004+07:00

I think I am having browser issues but everytime I open up the blog different amounts of text or pictures are dropped. If I click on the actual post I can see the whole thing. Usually. Sometimes I can't read all the comment section. This doesn't happen when I read other people's blogs!

So I am appealing to anyone out there who opens this up to read it ... can you see a whole post or are things disappearing?

Yarghhh. Computers. Love 'em. Hate 'em.

UPDATE: I think I solved the issue. Explorer 8 Beta. I deleted it and ... voila ... blog returned. I know everyone will just sleep better tonight.

The Ping

2008-10-23T16:15:00.003+07:00

I took this picture as the sun was setting last week. Local children were waiting their turn on the "Ping" or bamboo swing in an empty lot. These are erected for the Deshain-Tihar season only and kids look forward to the tradition with great anticipation. We have seen adults nostalgically get on an empty ping to swing a bit if they think no one is looking. They are incredibly charming and speak to an innocence so easily lost in the poverty here. The older kids stand on the swing and get horozontal at least 20-30 feet up - heart attack material for their mothers.

Simple pleasures! (And some good engineering!)

Namaste.

Here's to Hoping

2008-10-20T21:54:00.004+07:00

Because I am a glutton for punishment we have a new puppy. She is adorable of course - look at that face! Ever met a puppy who wasn't? My children love her - of course. My husband is pretty chuffed about it too because he grew up with German Shepherds. Because of our recent baaaaad doggy karma I am just a little fearful of something happening to this dear little bear of a puppy. So we named her "Asha" - it is Nepali/Hindi for hope.

She is also not going to be an auxiliary dog. She is going to be BIG. Help me. Someone.

Darn she's cute.

The Keebler Elf Tree

2008-10-19T21:36:00.004+07:00

Admit it - you saw this and the Keebler elves came to mind, no? No one gave me a cookie for just stopping by though.

This scene completely fascinated me. What on earth? Which came first, the temple or the tree? What exactly goes on here? (I actually don't want to know the complete answer to that.)

This is the Dumbharai Temple located in a neighborhood not far from us. It isn't particularly famous. I just happened upon it one day and made a point to go back when I had a camera. I could have included this on a post dedicated to Temple architecture but hey ... this is a one of kind.

Oh, the View!

2008-10-16T23:49:00.006+07:00

It is official. Monsoon is over!

I was driving home from a meeting at the kids' school this afternoon and looked up and gasped. There they were! Yeayyy - one of the best reasons to live here. There were the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas jutting out through the clouds. There aren't words to adequately capture the sense of complete AWE these peaks inspire.

This is just the most beautiful time of year in Nepal. The monsoon rains have cleared the air. The clouds part a bit, and for a few months we can see the Himalayas surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. It makes me smile and gives me a jolt of joy every time I get a glimpse.

I also think of someone I used to work with who told of a time when he was struggling with his faith. He won an award that allowed him to take an around the world study trip and he used that time to grapple with the issues he was facing. He told me about his visit to Nepal and while on a trek, looking at these amazing mountains, he had a dramatic deep confirmation of his faith in God that has remained unshaken. Was it that sense of awe, or the majesty of these massive mountains that spoke to him of God's character? I can only guess, but they certainly speak to me that way.

*In the interest of full disclosure (and my dear hubby the ethics police chief strolling by the screen as I write) this picture was taken this time last year - not today. I know you'll forgive me.

The SITS Blogathon.

2008-10-14T14:49:00.007+07:00

The ladies in leopard skin tap, tap, tapping away. Heather and Tiffany - our bloggy heroes. Do you sleep?

Today these ladies from "The Secret is in the Sauce" (SITS) have cooked up another way to keep one in front of their screen for what I am sure are mind debilitating hours!

Now my instructions include a lot of linking. I am a linking idiot. Actually I am a blogging idiot, but I try. What is all this you ask?

SITS is a growing blogging community I joined last spring. I was a shy cyberlurker - never commenting. No more. These ladies faithfully feature a different blogger every day of the week so others in the community might show them some bloggy love. It was feeling a little lonely out here (OK so I live in Nepal and I mean that both figuratively and literally) and my only Bleaders, my dear family, don't comment. I felt like a yodeler - blogging into the void. (I'm not given to melodrama or anything.) But then some of the SITStas starting coming over to visit and life was just a little bit more fun. As I dared to break out of the cybershell I was in and comment on other people's blogs, I discovered a lot of people with all kinds of stories whom I wish I knew in real life. So thank you Heather and Tiffany for all you do - this blog's for you:)!

If you are interested ... go on over, the Leopard Ladies are always there, waiting to comment.

A few fun SITS blogs (of many - how to choose?) I've found over the past few months:

1. I'm not brown nosing, promise. But let's just give credit where credit is due. Heather at Mindless Junque is not just a commenting junkie but a good writer. Check out her love story.
2. While I am at it - her other half Tiffany at The R Family Diaries needs to get loads of kudos and credit too.
3. A new discovery - yesterday as a matter of fact - Nanny Goats in Panties. THe name alone FORCES you to go click, click doesn't it? This person is just plain HILARIOUS. No pressure Nanny.
4. Another expat to commisserate/rejoice with: The Perlman Update.
5. Last but not least, Rhea at Texas Word Tangle always has a few thoughtful, funny somethings to share.

Enough for today. I linked, I linked! I'm so proud. Couldn't have done it without you SITS. Happy Blogathon and .... Namaste!

Dressing the Part

2008-10-13T21:23:00.008+07:00

Thursday was another big day during the Dashain festival! Things were closed so we took the kids to a local hotel to swim and play for awhile. On the way back the traffic was backed up as we neared our street with police trying to direct cars and taxis. We noticed people abandoning their taxis to walk - and everyone was VERY dressed up.

One thing I miss about the ol' King is the presence of his "footmen" in their traditional Nepali national dress for men - the Daura Surwal. They used to stand near all the Palace gates looking so sharp, holding a walkie talkie or something. They looked bored, but hey, they looked good!

Back to the traffic jam. Most of the men on the street were wearing Daura Surwal. Something was definitely up.

It seems that our new neighbor, the former King(he moved into his son's place which literally has its long wall on our street) was available to give people a Dashain blessing - just like the old days! Ergo - traffic jam and a bunch of Nepalis wearing their Sunday Best as they queued up outside the gates.

I ran and got my camera to capture this fashion show of Saris and Daura Surwals. I think a Sari is an incredibly graceful garment. We westerners find it difficult to not only put on but to wear. (Someday I'll show you our "Bill and Laurel go to the Hindi Prom picture" - pretty hilarious). The Daura Surwal consists of a long tunic over skinny pants and a western style jacket. The "Topi" (hat) comes in many different traditional patterns or just in black. If you ask me, these are some sharp dressed men!

And women ...

I can hear it now - "Ama - do I have to get dressed up?" This nice family let me take their picture. The "tika" on their foreheads is a mixture of vermillion dye and rice made into a paste. It is a sign of blessing.

One more Dashain post left ... Namaste.

Vijaya Deshami - Happy Dashain 2065!

2008-10-10T17:55:00.001+07:00

Well ... not so happy for this guy. Read on.

We are in the middle of the most important festival on the Nepali Calendar. Dashain is a fifteen day festival when, primarily, the goddess Durga is worshipped. I say primarily because the Hindu manifestations of different gods and goddesses and what they represent are mind boggling. There are a couple of days during Deshain (pronounced "Dasai" with a nasal sound on the "ai") when Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) or some other goddess de jour has their day in the sun.

In religious terms this festival involves a lot of sacrificing of animals to appease the anger of Durga. The festival celebrates good over evil because the Hindu sacred texts say that Durga triumphed over demons. The devout believe that sacrifices appease her wrath and negligence brings it on. Nobody wants to mess with Durga.
A busy temple in our neighborhood.

In social and familial terms this festival is similar to our holidays in the States. It is an annual opportunity to see distant relatives. It is like Christmas in the stores. They are packed (more than usual) with people buying gifts for family and friends and food for the festival feasting (say that ten times fast). People use this time in particular to be blessed by their elders and in turn bless those junior to them. Family heads are busy, busy, busy blessing.

This young woman is in the middle of her "puja" or worship ritual.

One day earlier this week the embassy drivers and guards sacrificed a goat to perform puja on all the vehicles. Niiiiice. I'm a pretty committed carnivore but this is all enough to make a vegetarian out of anybody.

More on Deshain before the festival is over ... Namaste.

My big girl is seven!!!

2008-10-07T10:54:00.012+07:00

My lovely, wonderful and earnest first born turns seven today. I know it is trite but where have those years gone?

Nothing like a little attitude for the first day of school!

You've gotta love the crenellated mouth of a seven year old.

Happy Birthday Kit! Mommy and Daddy love you!

Duty calls ...

2008-10-07T10:27:00.002+07:00

The phone rang at four this morning. Bill is the "duty" officer this week which means he takes all off hours emergency calls involving American citizens or other issues that just can't wait. So it seems that a young woman decided to go skydiving in the Everest region and had an accident. She was flown back to KTM and was in a hospital with a nasty fractured ankle and cracked vertebrae. Her parents knew she had been injured but didn't know where she was or how she was. You really don't want to be in the hospital here for the most part. Bill and a FSN (Foreign Service National - a Nepali working at the embassy) found her, went to see her and then contacted her family. All before 7am.

I remember when I was 24 I went on a wild trip with my college roommate. We didn't have much of an itinerary (or much money if I remember correctly). We decided to fly to Bangkok from Hong Kong and met some other people who were also backpacking. We then thought that a jungle trek along the Laotian border sounded like a great idea. I promise this was all done on minimum dollars per day. There were leeches. It involved sleeping in huts on stilts over livestock and using the village hole in the ground for a latrine etc. But the thing I remember vividly was trekking through who knows where and thinking that if anything ever happened to me, NO ONE knew where I was. I also vowed to be more responsible in my future travel escapades.

While I am sorry that this young woman got hurt, she will be OK. And I know Bill was just doing his job - but I can still be proud of him. Because if this were my child I would hope and pray that the person taking the call would do the same.

Harmony for Humanity

2008-10-03T23:00:00.003+07:00

Promises promises. I have just been too tired to write during my only peaceful writing window in the evenings. So sorry.

Tonight Bill and I went to a remembrance concert for Daniel Pearl. It turns out that not only was he a journalist but a classically trained musician who joined music groups playing violin, electric violin and mandolin wherever he lived and worked. Who knew? These "Harmony for Humanity" concerts are apparently held worldwide in remembrance.

The Public Affairs section at the Embassy was sponsoring this event and it was ... fun ... and funny ... and well, a different kind of date night for us for sure. A Nepali media personality who oozed hipness, had a really deep voice and excellent English emceed the event and introduced the six different artists/groups. All of the artists were well known to the mostly Nepali crowd but we were clueless. Two years of Nepali lessons and I didn't get a single joke. How pathetic is that? After a fair amount of coaxing from HipEngishSpeakingEmcee - people started to dance. Oh yes, the Bollywood moves came out! The hand behind the head, the hand flick - gotta love 'em! I might break out in the privacy of my own home but I'm wayyyyy to insecure to shake my booty before a Nepali crowd. It was fun to go to a cultural event that actually wasn't focusing on traditional music/dance/art but modern forms.

I love hearing about people who moonlight. It turns out that one of the Nepalis who works at the Embassy is a dance instructor/choreographer by night! He was the first one out on the dance floor and the last one to leave - hilarious (in a good way!). The cashier (whom I visit fairly frequently for obvious reasons) was a great dancer and was surrounded by the ladies. Grin. I feel completely okay about teasing him about this for the rest of our tour.

What I didn't do tonight was bring my camera. Dumb, dumb, dumb because I tell you - there were some photo ops. And there won't be a next time! What I would have shown you were Nepali women who were not wearing traditional clothing but western performance attire. By contrast, some of the male artists decidedly did not look like western performers. Last but not least - the scene on the dance floor. Oh Lawsie! I was particularly amused by one of the photographers present who was shooting the one foreigner who was dancing with the crowd - clearly she thought that this was an exotic creature!

Namaste

So so sad!

2008-09-29T14:37:00.004+07:00

Remember this cute thing?
Last week she started showing the first symptoms of distemper and five/six days later she died. It was a very sad thing to watch her deteriorate so quickly. I was sad but how was I going to explain this to the kids - again? (This is the third dog we have had that has died in a year - bad doggy karma I know. The first was another very sick little street pup and the second was our beloved, but very old, family dog.)

We knew a street dog is always a crapshoot (pardon mon francais) but this dear little pup was just doing so well before she got sick. The vet said no rebound puppies for us - we need to wait at least a week. I'm not sure I'm up for it as much as I love having a dog. We'll see.

This morning I went for a morning walk and was looking at all the street dogs ... everywhere ... and well, was just sad!

C'est tout. A happier post tomorrow. Promise.

Tagged!

2008-09-26T09:37:00.006+07:00

Quirks. I've been tagged by Eudaie-Mamia with the wonderful question: Name five quirks about yourself. Only five? I'll try to narrow it down.

Before I do that may I waste your time for a minute to talk about other people's quirks? Smile. I was single longer than your average bear and thus had the opportunity to have a lot of housemates. Twenty five to be exact. I know this because one time I sat down and figured it out. Half of these people I consider life friends - the other half I'm not likely to see again, ever. (Not for any particularly horrible reasons.) People's quirks used to crack me up. I have no idea what they thought about mine. But let me just list a few - I'll change the names to protect the innocent.

1) Amy was a teacher and kept a dessicated human arm from the civil war era in a box for educational purposes. Ewwwwwwww. She also had a box of rotten teeth from Guatemala. That might go beyond "quirk".
2) Betsy liked light. Lots of it. She removed lampshades and installed fluorescent lights in her room. (And she reads this blog. You know I love you friend!)
3) Cathy absolutely could not start her day without the fresh pop of an ice cold Diet Coke in the early mornings. I considered it my alarm clock.
4) More people than I could name had very particular ways in which they wanted the dishwasher loaded/unloaded. So I guess this isn't so quirky.
5) Food quirks. Well I had one housemate who always ordered Chinese from the place next door, ate a quarter of it but wouldn't touch leftovers EVER. So the rest of us had Chinese all the time.

Ok ... so now my own quirks?

1. I have an aversion to wet plastic items. Not a PHOBIA, just an aversion. I'm talking mostly about kitchen items: tupperware, sippy cups etc. They are the last things I take out of the dish washer. Children with their Tsunami of wet plastic items has forced me to just deal with it. But I still don't like it.

2. This is not a present quirk but a past quirk. I did not, and I mean did not, eat vegetables until I was an adult. And I didn't get scurvy or rickets like Mom said I would! I do eat them now. Really. And two of my kids are the same way. Drives me nuts. Payback.

3. My husband says its a quirk to leave just a bite of food on my plate. I don't really think so. No, I have no idea why.

4. And yes the TP roll goes OVER. Of course.

5. Well alright - there is the ear thing. I have really clean ears because I clean them with a Q-tip every time after I shower. Doctors have actually noticed how clean my ears are:). Actually I don't care that they are clean - it is the water thing again. I really don't like my ear insides to feel wet.

6. OK. Let's stay on the water theme. I always wipe down the counter around the sink before and after I use it. This may have started when I was pregnant. It was a bummer for that big belly to go over the counter when you washed your hands and have it be wet!!!

Dang. I feel so exposed(grin). Time to pass on the love. Jen at www.planted-by-streams.blotspot.com - you're it!

PS I can't insert a link to save my life. I just don't get it.

The Bead Market

2008-09-25T20:10:00.005+07:00

I had a rare window of time sans kiddos and I have been wanting to go to the bead market solo forever - so I went!

The market consists of about twenty or so very small stalls selling every imaginable length and color of bead. It is centuries old and the proprietors are predominantly Muslim - unusual in this Hindu country. It is covered in some places, exposed in others, very narrow and crowded.

You can buy beads ready made of course but I was on a particular mission. I wanted to get small necklaces made for the girls' birthday party "favors". The beads are tied in six string groupings and I thought that was a good width for little girls. The process is that you buy your beads (negotiate, negotiate, negotiate) and then bring them to one of the carpeted areas where bead craftsmen sit and do their magic. It was so much fun to watch! There were a half dozen men of various ages all industriously spinning golden thread around the ends of the beads to create a loop and ball clasp. Many were measuring precisely the midpoint for women who wanted gold mangal sutras or other special ornaments hung on their beads ("pote").

This young guy fascinated me. He didn't sit with the older men but very close by on a straw mat which made me wonder if he was some sort of apprentice. He was lightning fast with a ready smile. He kept running to different stalls grabbing the next group of beads for his next project. (I took a ton of shots of him - maybe just because he was cute and reminded me of Aladdin. Naaaaah.) I wondered if he would do this for the next sixty years like some of the men on the carpet. I think I also was amused that he had a traditional kameez over jeans and sandals.

This man was shaving the strings for the beads to go on. Many of the men used their toes to anchor their work.

Here is my project - "before".
And here is Rumpelstiltskin.

And the finished products! I was completely pleased - and because I know inquiring minds want to know - they cost about a dollar each. I have no idea how these people make enough eat and sleep indoors.

Wow. I'll raid these on the next visit.

You know you're not in Kansas anymore when...

2008-09-22T14:17:00.002+07:00

This weekend there were demonstrations, road closures and store closures at various parts of the city. The reason? Funding was cut for ritual animal sacrifices. Not enough Bucks for the Goats (or rupees as it were). Oh would PETA have a field day with this.

Look, I'm all dressed up!

2008-09-18T17:13:00.003+07:00

Wonder Shannon at Eight Crazy Designs made this new header for me and I am pretty darn excited. She was exceedingly patient with me as I wondered how to execute what was vaguely in my head. I knew I wanted a particular font and thought it might look good over a picture of a traditional Nepali textile pattern. I couldn't find one to save my life so I finally just sent over a few of my pictures to her. She found the map background and voila - here we are! The blue and red are the colors found on the Nepali flag.

The pictures left to right respectively are:
1) Man in front of a door a the Pathan Durbar Square - an old palace square.
2) The Himalayas - taken from a Mt. Everest flight.
3) Bags of dye seen in the markets.
4) "Fewa Tal" - or Lake Fewa in Pokhara.

That was fun. Now my hoodlums beckon so my "screen time" is over.

Namaste

Drivin' in the Hood

2008-09-17T21:21:00.005+07:00

I drove today. I have been driving since I was 16 and I am now cough cough so this shouldn't be a big deal. But driving in KTM is whole different er ... experience.

We have a driver which I know would be ridiculous at home (unless you are Donald Trump) but here, with three kids, it really is a matter of safety as well as being practical (can't park, few street signs, outrageous traffic and no "rules of the road"). He needed the day off to attend to a family matter so I was on my own. We normally drive on Saturdays but then traffic is a fraction of what it is the rest of the week. So I was going to brave it on a weekday because the idea of staying in the house or taking one of the insane taxi drivers (I mean really, even I probably drive better than the taxi drivers) was just not an appealing option. Swift had a little playgroup to go to and we were just gonna do it!

Except for the matter of a very important life strapped into the car seat behind me, shhhh - it was really fun! (Oh I doooo need to get a life, don't I?) You dodge and weave on both sides of the road! Motorcycles pass you on both the right and left! Look - a cow, a street dog, a goat, a monkey! J-walking? What is that? It is just so hairy that you have to laugh. It's the Indy 500 - but slow - with animals. If my girls were in the car I really could not have done it because it did require some concentration and they are clueless and would want Mommy to respond to their every whim not knowing that their lives as well as others on the road actually depend on their ability to be quiet. Swift liked it. "Go Mommy!" We drive on the left side of the road and the car is manual so I have to shift with my left hand. You know, just to spice things up a bit. Oh, and have I mentioned that I think there are only two stoplights in the ENTIRE city? I kid you not. And motorcycles frequently hold families of five. It is also an unspoken rule that you lay on the horn at least every five seconds. No matter what.

Ahhh and then there are the Tuk Tuks. The three wheeled auto rickshaws whose drivers clearly don't have to have actually driven anything before in order to become a Tuk Tuk driver. Speaking of rickshaws. The bicycle rickshaw drivers are some of the best drivers in the city. And the only people you ever see in them are overweight tourists filming the chaos and smiling away. Or coughing away as the case may be. Don't they know it is a human being pulling them? It is kind of embarrassing but I'm sure I'd do the same if I were just visiting. But since you know now ... if you come to KTM, don't ride the rickshaws. There is one more vehicle you will find on the road: tractors. These go veeeerrry slowly and are basically a motor in front that spews who knows what with a seat behind it and a flat bed behind the seat. Nothing is ... encased. Chugga chugga chugga.

Hmm have I missed any of the nuances of my driving experience today? Nope.

If only there were drive thru MoMo shops - now there's an idea.

Ahh. Girls and Friendship

2008-09-17T10:40:00.005+07:00

Sigh. Kit came home yesterday sad about something that happened at school. It seems a little girl in her class wanted her to say who her "best friend" and who her "worst friend" in the class was. Now Kit is the type of little girl who meets a friend on the playground and has a new "best friend". She isn't a perfect angel but she is a friendly one. Kit said she didn't know what to say so she told said little girl that indeed she was her "best friend" and basically picked at random another little girl to be her "worst friend". You know what happened next. The little girl promptly went to the second girl to tell her that Kit said she was her "worst friend".

Oh my. This crud starts way too young. So we had a little chat about gossip and friendships and how we treat people. It makes me sad that she has to encounter all this and that she likely made the second little girl feel badly. But we all make mistakes and have to learn from them. She already tried to make amends with the second little girl before she even came home which is good.

When I was in that evil place they call Jr. High I had a devastating "friend" situation. (Didn't everyone? Shouldn't kids just be locked up for two years and let out when it is over? Juuuuust kidding.) But it turned out to be very formative. It made me evaluate the bases of friendship at a young enough age to do something about it. Not that my judgement has been perfect since but I hope that on my end I have been a good friend. I am a complete friend Pig! I love, love my dear friends. I have a POSSE from high school that I know is very unusual. Every year this same group of girlfriends (12-16 of us or so!) have a girls weekend. We go way back (some even to those evil Jr. High days), all pretense is parked at the door and we laugh(and eat)all weekend. My cup is always full after these weekends. We truly rejoice in each others' successes and have the ministry of "presence" in each others' pain. When we lived in Europe I made the trip home for these weekends but now we are just too far away. (I also didn't have three children then!)

My adult made friends are equally as fantabulous! I am ridiculously lucky and blessed! And I want this for my kids.

So may my dear daughter grow and learn from these not so fun times and come out on the other side to be a good friend and enjoy the friendship of others.

Two of my favorite books on the topic:

The Friendship Factor by Alan Loy McGinnis and Friendship as Sacrament by Carmen Caltagrione.

My baby girl is five!

2008-09-15T21:42:00.003+07:00

It is Lindsay's birthday and I can't believe that somehow I have created a tradition where my kids get not one, not two but THREE birthday cakes?! There are the cupcakes for school, the family cake and then the birthday party cake. Are we the only family that has fallen into the 3X sugar and lard trap? Even I, the Birthday Piglet Extraordinaire, think it is a bit excessive. But I'm not gonna be the Birthday Scrooge so three cakes it will be.

Our Lindsay is a delightful handful! She is exuberant, but shy.
She loves to dress up ...

... and to swing.

And we have one big thing in common - we love this man a lot!

Happy Birthday my Sweet Girl!

Shanti!

2008-09-10T21:53:00.002+07:00

After Khaki died last spring we promised the kids we would get a new puppy when we returned to Kathmandu from our summer trip to the States. Here is our latest addition.

Kathmandu is affectionately called Dogmandu. Street dogs are simply EVERYWHERE. Khaki had been a street dog from Nairobi and grew up to be our "international dog of mystery and intrigue" so we really didn't seriously consider not getting another street dog. There's nothing like "pickin' garbage" to fill out a pedigree. There is a rescue center here that goes out every morning rounding up street dogs and gets them spayed/neutered/dewormed etc. and then puts them back out on the street. (Theory being that at least "fixing" them will lower the population somewhat.) This is much more humane than the technique tried a few years back where they just scattered poisoned meat all over the city and then collected the dead dogs. Grrrrr.

Now could we really let them put this adorable pup back out on the cruel doggy streets? Nope. Welcome to the family Shanti! (Kit wants to call her Ella - I said it could be her middle name - bad Mommy)

I gave the camera to Kit. This may be the first picture I've been in for two years! (Except the ONE that is on this blog - even then I set it up and handed the camera to a friend.)

"Swift. Shanti is going to get Bunny."

"Really Swift. She is going to chew up Bunny and then YOU are going to be sad, sad, sad."

Too late.

Bhat Bhateini Woes

2008-09-08T15:50:00.004+07:00

Ay yai yai. You go away for two months and not only can you no longer seem to be able to SPELL (I keep backing up to retype things) but the grocery store has been completely reorganized. Bhat Bhateini is the Departmental store (why the "al" is on the end of the word is a mystery to me - but there it is.)that is one of the few "under one roof" type of grocery stores. The upper floors carry other things but the ground floor is reserved for food. I've been a pretty regular customer these past two years. The proprietor was riding a bicycle a few years back and has been a phenomenal business success here. But that isn't what this post is about.

Let me tell you how this went today. I was on a grocery mission! I had my list! Well I got my little cart (I love how they call them "buggies" in the South - but I digress) and started off. Whoaaaaah. I am completely disoriented. Nothing is where it used to be. Where do I go without getting lost? I carry on. I zig zag through the store. Shampoo and Conditioner are on different aisles. OK. Things you might use to bake are on end caps ... several of them ... not necessarily on adjacent aisles. Again, OK. And let's talk about those aisles. Shouldn't they be parallel? Sigh. It is about that time I notice I have one of those grocery carts that doesn't steer straight - particularly when they start getting loaded up. I smile that this is a global phenomenon not peculiar to the US. Everyone has had one of those annoying carts. Again - I carry on. The shelves are being stocked not leaving much room in the aisles. And several of the aisles have columns right in the middle you can't steer around. I'm starting to think this is pretty darn funny. My Cart With A Mind Of Its Own just steers straight into some stacked pile of something and sends it crashing.

You get the idea. Oh - and I only forgot one item!

Peace.

Conversation with Heidi ... and anyone else who wants to join in.

2008-09-05T18:43:00.005+07:00

Heidi at Mt Hope Chronicles (www.mthopeacademy.blogspot.com - one of my favorite blogs)asked:

::Name one place you would like to see before you die.
Lindisfarne or Iona - the Celtic monastic communities.

::Is there a foreign language you wish you knew or would like to learn?
Well, I've "studied" a fair number of languages given both school and the countries we have lived in but to be honest, I still dream of speaking truly fluent French. No other language is as beautiful to listen to.

::What social issue concerns you the most? What is your favorite soapbox?
Here in Nepal it is trafficked women and children. It will make you mad and break your heart to hear the stories of exploitation and abuse.

My favorite soapbox might be about toxic management. I hate, hate, hate to hear about people's job experiences being negative because of a bully boss. I've had one and lived it and no longer have any patience for it. I've also had some wonderful supervisors for balance!

::What do you think your mom would say was the biggest challenge you presented her with?
Wow, Mom, what would you say? Being stubborn? Being a terrible eater? Just being different from her?

How would you answer these questions? Post it on your blog and link back here or just comment!

Teej - Girls Night Out

2008-09-03T10:02:00.010+07:00

It is that time of year again already. The women of Kathmandu took to the streets yesterday in their best (usually) red saris and jewelery to celebrate Teej. During Teej women fast and pray to Shiva for prosperity and long life for their husbands. Single gals pray for their Prince Charming as well. It was a hot day and most women held umbrellas over their heads for shade. The lines at the most important Shiva temple were thousands deep - women waiting to go do their puja (worship) before moving on to dance and sing with friends. It is a total spectacle. The Color!

These are "pote" - the long beaded necklaces worn by married women.

This man was swimming against the Red Tide. I loved how typical this scene was to me of a major thoroughfare in Kathmandu with billboards in the background etc.

Nice jewelery! This piece as well as the Mangal Sutra are both worn by married women. Not fair that the single women have to be unadorned but that is the way it is.

Aren't the saris gorgeous?

The men were the street hawkers that day selling balloons, fruit, fabric and anything else they thought all these ladies might buy.

This is me just dressing the part. (Don't I wish - I was in classic frumpy mommy attire - it was really pathetic actually. I just have to get my mojo back. Another topic, another time.)

Mahendi painting - similar to henna.

Just a little embarrassed to be having her picture taken.

Oh. my. goodness. She is just amazing.

Jingle jangle, buy a bangle?

Oh this gal on the right is so tired. And hot. And hungry.

Happy Teej folks.

Namaste SITStas!

2008-08-28T21:23:00.007+07:00

Aw man - y'all are coming over and the place is a wreck - but oh well. In the name of hospitality please come in and visit with your morning coffee, or Diet Coke or whatever you do in the am! I am REALLY excited about having visitors. It gets a little lonely over here. After reading many of your blogs the past few months, I am blown away by the talent and creativity out there! And you have made me laugh, laugh, laugh. Thank you.

Welcome to our nutty life. My husband works for Uncle Sam as a diplomat and the term of art for the spouse who is not also employed by the USG is a "trailing spouse" - hence the blog name. I could have called it "A Broad Abroad" - but my sweet Mom wouldn't have approved.

Thanks for stopping by and "Namaste"!

Summer ... it's really over

2008-08-27T20:59:00.001+07:00

I had a friend from college who lamented after we graduated and started working that those days between mid May and early September were no longer "summer ... they're just hot". (You have to say it with a thick Alabama accent to really appreciate it.) So even though the calendar says we still have a few weeks left, my kids are back at school and our two months back in the States are quickly fading to black.

I do promise I'll return to things Nepal but I just had to, had to, had to share two of this summer's many highlights. The first is a profound milestone, the second a small but memorable childhood rite of passage.

Aunt Libbie's 100th

Isn't she gorgeous?

How many centenarians do you know? I think my husband's great aunt is the only one I have ever known. Let me tell you just a bit about this incredible woman. Aunt Libbie was born in 1908 and has filled these past one hundred years with love for and service to others. She is a woman of keen mind - the Scrabble champion of her retirement home mind you! - warm heart and as my husband always likes to say ... "she is just sensible" - a high accolade from that side of the family. She writes family memoirs, has been on the internet and is just as sharp as a tack. Her body is failing her a bit these days but she remains as delightful as ever.

We stayed in the States a week longer than we would have because there was no way we were going to miss her 100th Birthday Bash! It was just a lovely gathering and tribute to a woman who inspires us all to live well.

The Lemonade Stand

Okay - not exactly on par with turning 100 but a fun first for our little hoodlums. We parental types thought it was a complete hoot. Who knew that Donald Trump was hiding in our four year old's body? She was flagging down customers .. she was on task baby. Our oldest was more interested in making the chalkboard sign, pouring the drinks and being sociable. I tried to teach them to say "Thank you for your business!" - but it didn't really take.

Who can resist this sales team?

Lindsay thought this face was "bad for the customers" - cracked me up.

A little sustenance for the workforce ... and the first few lucky customers.

The first customer. He gave a big tip.

So long summer.

Let Me Sleep ...

2008-08-23T21:52:00.000+07:00

This is what jet lag looks like when you are two.

I saw Baboo lying on the nice comfy wood floor as I was whipping up a gourmet bowl of pasta a la mama.

"Baboo ... don't fall asleep yet. Mommy has dinner coming right up. Really. Just one more minute." I just don't want him to wake up at 2am to tell me he is "hungwee". I really really just want to stay horizontal for a whole night. I can dream, right?

I got the bowl on the table. He got up, walked over, took one look and started crying.

"I was sleeping." (sob sob)

He returned to his spot on the floor and that was all she wrote. I sort of wish I was him right now.

Our Final Year Begins

2008-08-23T06:43:00.000+07:00

We are back on Nepali soil and it is good to be back in our home, among our own things, and returning to a normal routine. It is funny how you can make anywhere your home after awhile. It may be cliched but the old "home is where we are all together" adage holds true.

After a being from and spending the summer moving about in a big place like DC, it is nice to come back to the "small town amidst chaos" feel of Kathmandu. At home I drove around visiting friends in the District, the suburbs, the beach and few other farther flung locales and you know, you rarely see people actually walking on the street! It is actually kind of freaky and slightly Jetsonesque. We landed in KTM and were immediately met by the throng of humanity at the airport. A crowd gathered around us with our ridiculously massive amounts of luggage (I really tried to pack light but you know the $120 worth of Trader Joe's Maple Syrup just takes up space!) and thankfully it isn't so intimidating anymore. The drive back to our house from the airport is a visual smorgasbord - which I love.

The girls went ahead and went to school Thursday since they were awake, awake, awake only for me to get a phone call from the school nurse to come and pick them up because they ... oh I won't go into it ... too gross. Let's just say it is a Lousy situation. We are in the right culture to deal with it though - nitpicking is a national pastime. Enough said.

So our last year in Nepal is here. It is hard to believe! I got a phone call from a friend who had just been to a leadership conference and one of the things she heard struck her as a good word for me (gotta love my friends!). Jacki called and encouraged me to "take a flyer" this year - do something big enough to be a risk and a dream but not so big that you are betting the farm on it. I am still thinking and praying about what that might be. I'll let you know.

I downloaded my summer pictures and will post soon.

Namaste!!

Winding Down to Head Back

2008-08-14T08:08:00.000+07:00

As our R&R time is drawing to a close it feels as if the snowball has gained mass and we are flying down the hill.

We had a wonderful week at the beach doing beachy things. I can't wait to post pictures after our return to KTM! We are filling each day with last minute doctor appointments/follow ups, still trying to connect with friends we haven't had a chance to see and getting as much time in with family as we can. I won't lie - the pace has been ridiculous. It has reminded me what has always been the most important to me - the relationships in my life. My relationship with God, my family and my friends is just what it is all about. They give me joy and fill me up.

I'm exhausted - but happy exhausted.

Heidi over at www.mthopeacademy.blogspot.com had a wonderful, thoughtful post about the things we want our kids to do, see, value, experience. I'll post my .02 here on this great topic when I get more than five minutes in a semi alert state!

In the meantime we are all preparing for Great Aunt Libbie's 100th birthday party this weekend! Is that incredible or what?

Peace all ... Laurel

The Trailing Spouse Party Primer

2008-08-02T20:27:00.000+07:00

Disclaimer: We are in the US ... so this has nothing to do with Kathmandu. We'll be back in KTM in late August!

Since Bill is here for such a short time we had a couple of friends over last night from different chapters of our lives. Of course we were the only ones with the benefit of knowing everyone and some people knew no one else but hopefully they left fat and happy anyway.

Early in our marriage we discovered our ... differing preferences in extending hospitality. Grin. Bill would have a grand scale party every weekend if he could. The more the merrier. He is completely keyed up and energized after a party. I like to have dinner parties where we can sit and talk with our friends. Bill loves to meet new people and sort of bring them into the fold. I love to hang with my homies. So we do a little of both and it all works out.

Party tips from the Trailing Spouse (both philosophical and practical):

1. Don't entertain to impress, just share what you have and enjoy your guests. The point is just to be with each other.
2. Know your own limits. I love to cook for no more than 8 people. More than that and I'm calling the food in.
3. Don't underestimate the weight party clean up may have on your enjoyment of being with your friends. Hiring someone - anyone - to do that for you will change your par-tay life. If some high school student will just run around and pick up dishes and hang out in the kitchen cleaning up you will be SO SO happy. Of course I discovered this during our first overseas tour when my helper cost me all of $15. Not so lucky back in the US of A but still worth it.
4. Do what works for you. You aren't your mother, your friend or your colleague. Don't apologize for not "entertaining" like someone else. Who cares. It is amazing how much people just appreciate being invited over.
5. Rarely can you invite everyone you know to one event save possibly your wedding! So don't stress out over who you couldn't invite this time. There is always next time. Not everyone likes a party anyway.
6. Plan ahead and you won't be stressed the day of. The only thing you want to have to run to the store for is ice.

All of the above apply to our personal partying. Official "entertaining" (I just have to put it in quotes because truth be told I don't like the word and all it implies) is another matter. Diplomatic entertaining is nothing and everything like having friends over. On the one hand of course we want the guests to feel comfortable and fed and watered. On the other hand they are usually not there to be social, but to work. These receptions are just opportunities for the various parties to meet and talk shop.

Now I know that this doesn't apply to everyone but Bill and I are Jesus people so we pray. And when it comes to parties we usually just pray that the time would be a blessing for everyone. Who can lose?

We are off to the beach for a week. There will be no parties. Unless Bill starts inviting people over he meets while making sandcastles with the kids. This could happen.

Hubby is home and what do we do?

2008-07-29T08:08:00.000+07:00

*Disclaimer: I'm not in Kathmandu at the moment and havn't been since late June. If you are reading this thinking "this is completely weird because Nepal sounds just like home!" I am so sorry. I am in the US on R&R for the summer, taking in a few movies, a little Starbucks and clean tap water. I'm lovin' it. But will also love being back there in late August - hopefully with tales to tell. So if you have no interest in my really not so interesting life, just feel free to click away. I'm not offended.

Well I did make it to the airport in time to see my 6'5" husband loping towards baggage claim and sort of skipped behind my little guy in the stroller with joy. I really and truly am supposed to be a grown up but I really just don't care because I was excited!

So the poor guy is completely jet lagged. I allowed the rest of us a full week of "nothing officially scheduled" to get over it but he is pretty much getting no mercy. I practically handed all our progeny over right away! We are booked, booked, booked with appointments, ballet camp etc. this week. I'm a terrible wife.

As I looked at the schedule this week I noticed that yesterday was really going to be the last opportunity for my Kit to see the Kit Kittredge movie which has been the topic of discussion ever since we arrived. (An aside but I had to laugh when her cousin from LA arrived a few weeks ago and had, of course, already seen it because, well, she had been the premiere! Only a Hollywood kid could say that so casually). As a matter of fact it is quickly departing the movie scene. It was now only playing in three theatres in the WHOLE DC area. Clearly the time had come. Kit was prepared with her Kit Kittredge haircut. For real - she insisted on cutting off her long hair to be like her doll. Thank God there isn't a 80's Punk American Girl doll yet. It is ok - the cut is actually really cute. Annnnywayyyy - we went to see it with my sweet Mom. We even took the two year old just because we were desperate. He actually watched it! It was a sweet movie - Kit loved it - Mom loved taking us (I think).

Ah - my moment of peace for writing is over. How do people do this at Starbucks?

All of this to say ... I finally get my husband back ... and I make him see an American Girl movie. He's a saint.

Hubby Countdown

2008-07-26T10:19:00.000+07:00

Whooeeee. It is way too late for me to be thinking about blogging but here I am. My very wonderful husband whom I haven't seen in five weeks is taking the red eye from CA and arriving at the crack of dawn. He told me he'd take a cab but ... I am a pretty big believer in picking up people at the airport so I am going to take however many hoodlums are awake tomorrow and head out there. I realize this could backfire. I may somehow miss him and he takes a cab. Pretty much I am deciding right now to be prepared for that to potentially happen.

I'm just feeling all warm and fuzzy. Is it just anticipation or is it the excessively cheesy Hallmark movie I just watched with my Mother in law - (and really liked ... a lot. I'm hopeless)?

Who knows but I better hit the sack soon or it sure won't be pretty. I am already woozy from a two day roadtrip to see friends with the terrific trio. It was completely fun but I am EXHAUSTED.

So enough. He arrives in eight hours!

In a daze,
Laurel

Farm Day!

2008-07-21T08:08:00.000+07:00

I am a total urban/suburbanite and generally feel pretty out of place in the country but every year I look forward to Farm Day with GREAT anticipation! I physically start to relax when I get off the turnpike and start heading onto the two lane roads leading to Deb's family farm.

My friend Deb grew up on this farm in Pennsylvania and her parents still live there. When she moved to Washington after college we were part of a large and ever growing singles group at our church. Fifteen years ago a bunch of either single or newly marrieds started going up to the farm some Saturday in July just to sit under the huge shade tree by the lake, swim, canoe, eat fresh corn that was probably picked that morning, and generally just do some Olympic level hangin' out.

Now the "day" has evolved a bit. Farm Day is more like Farm Weekend for the many families that camp out over night. (Because we are serious camping weenies (see Borderlands post) we have never done this ... but our oldest keeps begging so maybe next year) When we were single or childless I remember a lot of volleyball games. This year the fifty kids that were there were launching water balloons across the lake to where all those lazy parents were just lying around in the shade. The kids are getting older and the conversations about them have shifted from preschool chatter to IB programs. (Although there are still a few of us with little ones happily sitting at the parental feet of those who have gone before us.)

Not to get too bogged down in tradition this year's innovation was a PIG. Or a HOG? Can you tell I'm not a farm girl - I don't know if there is a difference or not but this oinker was HUGE. And PINK. And after ten hours of roasting it was DONE. You have to be a committed carnivore to eat something that you can look in the eye. I'll post a photo when I can because - well - you have to see Hamlet's little snout and hooves to really take it in.

For we day trippers the day culminates with THE TRACTOR RIDE for the kids. Jim just pulls the huge trailer bed behind ye olde John Deere around the farm while kids snatch rasberries from the bushes or hop on and off to run along side. At this point the sun is setting and the light is beautiful. When the loop is complete everyone hops off to raid a superfantabulous ice cream sundae buffet. Next year I am taking more pictures!

While all of this is quite obviously just good clean fun for all involved it really is so much more than that. We have lived over half of our married lives overseas and being able to reconnect with people is always a huge gift. Many people no longer live in the DC area but travel from whereever they are to Farm Day during the summer. This is the one time I ever see a majority of the people who come. I love seeing how kids have grown. I love having long coversations with friends neck deep in the water.

Deb and Jim - again and again we thank you!

It is just a sweet, sweet time.

Ode to a rental

2008-07-16T07:03:00.000+07:00

Transportation has always been just that to me. I'm generally don't covet fancy cars and see the utilitarian nature of the most unsexy of vehicles, the dreaded minivan, as just no big deal because it is practical for we Mommy types (at least once you reach that three kiddo mark). So when I scouted around for a minivan to rent for the summer I discovered that ... it just wasn't going to happen. Way, way way way way too expensive. So I went with plan B and rented something smaller. We're making it work.

I am living in my rental chariot as I ferry kids to and from different camps, go and visit friends, raid a kiddie clothing sale etc. It has been officially christened with crushed Cheerios. It has my requisite snack stash for the kids, and one for me. I bought some contraption that can both play and charge my ipod in the car and this is a happy thing. It has a few design features that mean I wouldn't buy this car but hey, it's transportation and I'm grateful. (Zero visibility! I keep thinking I am going to make some poor squirrel into road pizza before its time).

The kids assume it is "our car". Therefore, no problem Mom for me to draw on the seats, right? Ai yai yai.

It costs a bundle to fill this puppy! Join the club right?

Mostly, frankly, I am just glad the thing works. I know it is serviced, fairly new and is unlikely to have ... issues ... for the two months I'll be driving it.

So rental chariot - I raise my drive through coffee to you and give you a pat on the hood for taking us on the road.

The most incredible Blackberry Cobbler

2008-07-12T08:03:00.000+07:00

OK let me just tell you that bloggin' just aint easy from where I am sitting. This wacky computer won't let me "sign in" on my own blog ... just when I am commenting elsewhere and then I can sneak over here and voila - I am signed in here. It is just too bizarre. It took me awhile to figure that out as well. And not so interesting. Sorry, but I had to vent.

OK ... THIS IS THE ALLTIME MOST FABULOUS SUMMER DESSERT YOU WILL EVER HAVE. Not that I have ever been accused of hyperbole or anything.

Amy is in her eighties and works for my Mother in law. She has the energy of someone half her age (cough) and then some. She is completely amazing. For years now she has made this incredible Blackberry Cobbler that I just drool over. Last summer I finally made her coach me through it. She kept saying things like "I don't know, I just add a ilttle of this and a little of that". No way was that going to cut it in the recipe department. I was a hounddog I tell you. Persistent. According to my culinary dictionary (I am completely in touch with my inner cooking geek) this really wouldn't be a cobbler but some other type of fruit dessert (a fool, a pie, a something else) but since Amy calls it that - that is what it is.

Sharing it with the masses (Ok the three people plus my family who actually read my blog ...) is a public service. Here you are.

PS When I can upload pictures again at the end of the summer I'll come back and post one here because not only is it delicious ... it's pretty. (Oh wait - like I can get blackberries in Nepal?)

Amy’s Blackberry Cobbler

Crust:
1 1/2 C flour
1 stick of butter
salt

Filling:
3 pints of Blackberries
1 C sugar
1/4 t salt
2T flour
1/4 t nutmeg
1/4 t cinnamon
a little lemon juice

Preheat oven to 450. Butter a deep soufflé dish. (approx 8 inch)

Combine the filling ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Knead crust ingredients together with your fingers and add ice water until the dough comes together.

Press crust into soufflé dish saving some to roll out and place on top. Pour the filling into the dish and then go ahead and roll out that remaining bit and press in on top of the filling, pinching the sides.

Bake at 450 for 10 minutes then lower the oven temperature to 375 and bake another 40 minutes.

Serve this with vanilla ice cream. Ambrosia. Enjoy!

And now ... Camp.

2008-07-07T07:44:00.000+07:00

Oh I think I might finally have figured out how to post from my Mother in Law's computer oh happy day!

Now that "Jet Lag Week" and "Beach Week" are officially over ... camp begins. I was not thinking straight when I signed up Kit at one camp and Lindsay another - that start and end at the same time in two different places. This was truly a dumb thing to do to myself. C'est la vie and I'll just get on with it. I just really, really wanted Lindsay to be able to go to VBS because I went when I was a kid and, you know, we just feel like we have to pass all the good stuff on don't we? But not the bad stuff ... like Girl Scout Camp. UGH. I hated it. My girls will never go even if they beg because I am sure it will be awful. I did go to a lot of great camps (thanks Mom and Dad:)) ... but GS Camp was not one of them. (I also took a lot of classes - many of which were great - the one that still cracks me up, however, was "Colonial Crafts". Candle Dipping etc. I can't even type it without laughing!)

Off to sleep so I can face the week semicoherent. Three weeks left of single parenting - not that I'm counting the days or anything.

Laurel

The Beach

2008-07-03T20:38:00.000+07:00

Oh can we just live here for awhile at the retro beach house? Life is just frozen in the 50s.

It is a gorgeous morning. The breeze is blowing through the trees across the screened porch. All the grown ups have their cups of respective hot liquids. (Not everyone is a coffee achiever). There are chocolate croissants from Lingos on the kitchen counter. The kids are alternatively watching cartoons and playing with all the fun toys that are only at the beach house.

Coming to the beach is always license to eat all kinds of stuff that normally I might ration out but for some reason think all has to be consumed during the few days or a week we are here. We also do things the kids only do at the beach. I let the kids stay up late and thankfully they sleep a bit later too. They beg to go to Funland and we do. Throw up rides, cotton candy - the whole shebang. It is all just too much fun and happiness. Kinda sickening huh?

I'm chuckling to myself because it hasn't always been this idyllic. I remember being 8 months pregnant at the beach with a 20 month old in tow who didn't want to leave the beach when it was time to go. Bill was back at the house and I was stranded with the toddler, the beach toys, the little wagon etc. and I was and mad, mad, mad! I can laugh about it now but at the time I was HUGE and HORMONAL and HOT (not in the Hollywood meaning of the word for sure) and HOPPIN' mad.

The beach is a block away and we'll all pack up and go soon. (You know, after Sesame Street.) I'll take these sweet times when I can get them.

Laurel