To Russia with Love

I have a special place in my heart for Russia.

Due mostly to the fact that the people are kind and warm and generous and all things gingerbread.

Yes, gingerbread.

Doesn't she remind you of gingerbread? What a darling Babushka.

But also because I have been there twice and my family's church has such a sweet love for a church there.

Russia has been on my mind lately. I took my friend Tricia to the airport yesterday (she was headed to the republic of Georgia...where they speak Russian); and my dad was talking about our Russian friends coming to visit this summer; and then today I walked up the street to my local tailor and it turns out she is originally from Baku (also a Russian speaking area).

We chatted warmly as she fitted my dress and I even slipped a spaceba (thank-you) and a dasvadana (good bye) into our conversation.

It was a warming reminder of Russia and all my fond memories there.

I long to take Red there. I think he would adore experiencing the skeleton of communism left behind, the dramatic architecture, the ballet, the opera, and again, the people.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

As many of you know,  a solar/anular eclipse occurred west of the Mississippi yesterday.

Well, that's what some people think.

Those people not being me and my people.

We (Red, our new roomies--Austin and Heather--and I) excitedly made our way to the World's Fair pavilion in Forest Park to meet up with the St. Louis astronomy society---you know, to debo their fancy-smancy viewing equipment.

Hmm--didn't work out. Turns out there was a wedding.

And clouds.

We ended up sitting around on the steps praying for a miracle. Red pointed out that God could easily part the clouds just in the nick of time.

Instead, we took some pictures of our adventure, sang Total Eclipse of the Heart (meaning, Austin sang...) and headed home for some delicious slow-roasted honey chicken prepared by Heather.

Red and I,  posted up.

Austin and heather

We shall never know what it feels like to look up and see the moon in front of the sun---at least not for a long time. But at least we attempted.

Back Porch Garden

Last Friday, Red and I had a gardening adventure. It consisted of me working hard and Red keeping me company.

He was sickly. Can you tell?

But he was a trooper and stuck it out with me while I made this mess:

oh and this one--

Artsy--turned into being scared of dirt. Haha

...a sweet price to pay in order to have a garden of herbs right out your back door.

Here is the finished product:

Sweet Basil, Cilantro, Thai Basil

Flat Leaf Parsley, Mint, lovely paint tools

Since this gardening adventure--I have filled another planter with pretty flowers---I think I might just be quite the curious gardener...and Red, a great helper.

Have you planted anything recently?

Hey you, get on on the floor!

I have intended to get on the floor and do side-leg lifts for weeks now.

I avoid them anyways.

So, today I decided to attack these leg lifts with a vengeance.

The Lord saw my passion and rewarded me:

As I sweat out my last 20, I lift my eyes, focusing on the distant--- moccasin!!!

---a shoe that has been missing for at least 2 weeks now.

The moral of this story: get on the floor--you never know what you might find.