Happy Weekend

After resigning myself to the extended time over here, I spent Friday afternoon with a Coca Light, a pint of chocolate chip ice cream, and the BBC channel broadcasting the entire Royal Wedding production start to finish.  I loved the stylish (and not so stylish, did you check out Princess Beatrice's number?) hats and since next weekend is the Kentucky Derby, perhaps more fabulous hats will appear.  I spent some time on Ebay during the breaks, so Grandma Archer...some packages will be arriving in our mail!

According to Andy, my glass is half-full utopia I live in is not all that realistic sometimes!!  Hence the reason he's not all that surprised with the extended delay of court.  And since I pack how I feel at the moment(cold in Ohio), I neglected to pack for warmer weather.  Seriously, how do you pack for 5-6 weeks?  The City By The Sea is pushing 70 this week, so he took me shopping this afternoon to buy some clothes.  Three hours later, plenty of bags and some NEW SHOES, and  the sun is shining brightly!

She's shaking her finger, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"

 We had to capture this image.  The lawn mower at the orphanage.  Electric!

 She hasn't figured out that lotion is not for eating.

The caretakers are so kind to us(even the one who intimidated us at first) that when we walk in they smile, say hello, and motion where she is.  Even the other kids yell for her once they see us, grab her hand, and bring her to us. 

Once court takes place, I'll be able to share our plans for home.  They given us some scenarios, but nothing is for sure.  Once the court decree takes effect, her birth certificate and passport paperwork needs to begin.  And once again, it begins here, travels to the capital, processed, and sent back here before we can leave the City by the Sea with her.  And since there is no Fed Ex, the paperwork is transported by train(10 hours each way). 

So we wait patiently...


Happy Weekend!!

To Market, To Market

Shopping here is an experience all its own.  Grocery Stores are frequent, and the locations differ.  Some are in the basement of malls, or buildings.  No preservatives, and mostly organic.  The yogurt is creamy, and the produce is always fresh.  We are very fond of the ripe, plump tomatoes and make tomato/mozzarella salads often.  Tap water is not for drinking, unless you are married to a water quality expert engineer.  Then, you're in luck:)   Andy purifies the tap water in a bottle for his drinking.  I prefer to buy it in 6 liter jugs, and pour into my water bottle. 

I do miss having a Target.  Last week, a button on my coat came off, and I've been obsessing over it since.

Only I would take a picture of a missing button:)

Every store I venture in, I'm seeking a needle and thread.  No go, and other buttons are becoming loose.  The laces on Andy's boots are wearing thin, but we can't seem to find laces, either.

Outdoor Markets are the all-out shopping venue.  The City By The Sea houses the very first and largest outdoor market in the entire country.  We were in awe our first trip, unsure of how to navigate.  This past weekend, we found another building that houses shoes and clothing.   If you're seeking that ONE item you need, it's difficult to find unless you know your bearings.

 

I'll be making another trip.  I think the pants I brought for Sarah may be too small. 

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What the orphanage street looks like Monday-Saturday

Sunday Views

All morning until mid-afternoon, people walking up and down the street.  Notice the baskets?  The Paska Bread, along with other items were being taken into church for the blessing.  Beautiful experience.

 Happy Monday:)