This and That

I always think of things to post later so here are just a few comments that I've thought of (this is my journal of the trip also – you all get to come along on it!) You know my life's an open book! Literally!

We have a found a few of the "infectious diseases" we were tested for the other day – we DON'T have gonorrhea, typhoid, dysentery or salmonella. We also know we DON'T have TB. In addition, of course, we don't have HIV which is something they did accept from the USA. Thankfully they did, with Alex's talking I am sure, accept the results of our USA medicals even tho we didn't have any back-up documentation.

One thing I wish we would have brought would be more converters/adapters. We only have the one so it's in use a lot. Our laptop runs about 4-hours on battery but we're on it a lot – mostly now with the games or my typing our journal (blog) and also our internet connections. We're going to buy another card today – we have no way of knowing when we run out of time other than it won't dial up so better safe than sorry. We get 5-hours of connection time for 300r (about $10). Today also we have to figure out how to get some more rubles – either exchanging money or trying a bank machine. We're down to about $60 equivalent in rubles right now! But we're not spending a lot of money either – groceries, little shopping and cafes mainly (and the cafes are cheap!)

Yesterday we did find a second hand store in a different part of town when we were walking – it was like ours at home, somewhat musty, but did have a decent selection of clothing. We just looked as there isn't anything we "have" to get. I might get a longer coat at some point if I'd find one but also have half a mind to purchase a NICE one to take home – who knows customs regulations about importing fur? The coats here are absolutely beautiful! And the hats mostly equally as beautiful! No PETA protesting here – LOL.

JJ, the kids here wear hats that have a heavier wool lining and the ear flaps can fold down… would you wear one of those if we got it for you? Dad thinks you would but I wanted to check with you – none of the clothing here is "cheap" but there sure is a lot of it! We have gone into many stores where all they have is children's clothing and toys – who is buying this stuff? It's all very nice but it's like having "Children's Place" "Gymboree" "Baby Gap" and "Kids r Us" lined up one after another in the same mall! And then having another one about 3-blocks away!

Brian has never wanted to go on a cruise or to a resort like in Mexico – he was worried what we'd do all day. Well, we have now spent more time together than I think we have EVER done and we're surviving and thriving! Our "vacations" have always been active ones – going to car shows, driving places, fixing things, etc… I think we've both learned how to just kick back and go with the flow – we hang out, take long walks, read, help each other with solitaire (I'm so mad I forgot my travel yatzee game!) and just observe life here in Russia. Brian does have a more relaxed personality than me (you think??) so he does sleep more than I do but he also probably has years more to catch up on – LOL! My "record" such as it is for quickest losing solitaire game is 33-seconds… man, that can be so frustrating!

Another thing for JJ – they have a TV show here, I have no idea what it is, but the lady in it could be Heather from TDI's sister – she looks just like her! I think of you every time I see the commercial for that show! We hope you can call soon and talk to us – we miss you! But since you have been too busy to call that is a good thing also. Grandpa keeps us informed on your busy social life! I'm happy Mikey and Emily have been over to play and also that you and Carissa are doing things together. Samantha, no cat update lately? How's Candy doing??

Anyone who runs Windows Vista – do you have it where Word just randomly shuts down at time? That happens to me every few days – but at least it always recovers my work. It's just an annoyance! Otherwise I'm starting to figure out where to find the different things in it!

Taylor Swift is on the video channel right now – first time I've seen her! Last night I think it was 80's hour or something – early Madonna, Michael Jackson, and other artists from our high school days were playing. Otherwise it's a nice mix of international music – the European videos are more risqué than the American ones!