On the move...

...to Seattle! Our time came to an end in lovely Abu a few weeks or so ago and now we are so excited for this new adventure. We are close to Liz and Jess and we are finding this area of the Northwest is full of interesting places to see, hiking galore, art shows, farmers markets, new volunteer and job opps, great places to Kayak, new people to know and add to our list of dear friends~ oh, the possibilities are endless. I can definitely say, that the Lord moves us in directions that are sometimes not forseen until they are upon us and if we are open to His possibilities and His path, we will always have the very best experience and one that we can cherish in our memory bank forever. Blessings~ oh so many~ no one said it would be an easy path just one to add to our earthly experience.
We have spent the past two weeks with Liza and family. Helping out with new granddaughter, Sofie and two year old wild man, Enzo. Bob goes off to work and I have the chance to chat it up with Liza, cuddle Sofie and run around with my little E man. I am so lucky! I got thinking this morning how rare this opportunity is for me and I just want to soak it in and enjoy every minute. We so much appreciate our children, spouses and grandkiddies for all the love~
House hunting is always one that I have a love~hate relationship with. It is very spendy to live here and understandably so as it's b`e`a`u`t`i`f`u`l! But 1500. for 700 sq. ft~ give me a break! Outrageous!But we are finding some lovely places that will certainly do until we someday settle down and buy another house to add to our lovely Paradise abode. Our household in Abu is on the Atlantic Ocean and won't be here until sometime in July. Our house will be an extreme minimalist place~ for a bit. Anywho, life is good~ so good~ so good

Barangay...

Barangay~ so much love

On Friday nights many of our friends from the Philippines get together and because we love a party and a get together we have been joining them. A bit like an FHE but much more than that. It's a time to share feelings, love, sing and just hang out. We have loved this gathering more than words can express. I have never been around a more happy, resilient bunch! They come from all walks of life and all kinds of professions. Most are college educated and do more than their share of the work here in the UAE. Many are here without family since they can't afford to bring them and send monies home. But happily that is changing, little by little and it is so fun to see more couples and more kiddies added to our group. I am going to miss them so very much; each and every one. They have made my life soooo rich. They sang a going away song to us and I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. Our friends Gemma and Lito gave us beautiful watches that we will treasure forever. I told many of the young gals that when they marry we would come to the Philippines to share in their joy. I guess we will be visiting there many, many times! When we first went to church here in Abu, I noticed that there were no older people. Then I realized that "we" are the older people! Funny how you don't realize you are aging until you do! So, a BIG THANK YOU to our Filipino friends~ we will never forget you.

Myreene, Cassy, me, Katie and Delila

The Avencia's~ they have 7 kids! They are an amazing couple

Our dear sweet friends Belinda and Peli

I'm sooo sneaky, hehe! with my sweet friend, Katie. Who reminds me so much of Jessi.

These gals are so fun and so sweet. I love each and every one!

Somebody has to live this life...

... and it might as well be me :-) Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine a life so full of adventures, moves and rubbing shoulders with so many incredible people from so many walks of life and countries. Everyday I have to pinch myself about where I am and what I see. With that said, we will soon be off to a new treasured adventure. We are very sad about leaving our sweet, amazing friends here in Abu. We have more memories than could ever be included in a book. I have learned some very valuable lessons from those who are amazingly resilient in the face of many hardships and difficulties. I have soooo much gratitude for all those I have met who have been added to my forever friend list. So, we move to another great place that moves us closer to our cherished family. The Lord has been so mindful of us and always puts us in the places He desires us to be. Of that I know; no doubt. My sweet Mr B is one incredible man and what a life he has given me~ not perfect by any means but one full of the adventure that I always crave and relish in. Every place is like opening a gift~ full of wonder and surprises. The people are always the wonder and surprises :-) As it's not so much the place but always the people that make the journey so amazing.

New favorite quote...

 

 

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt~

 

~Abraham Lincoln~

We had an earthquake!

 

Yesterday, I was sitting at the computer doing my family history~I'm totally hooked by the way. But as I was sitting there I felt myself getting dizzy. But then I noticed that our building was swaying~ scary!! I ran into the bathroom and climbed into the tub~ I know I read somewhere that the tub is a good place to be in an earthquake. So, it wasn't me but our building that was having a "dizzy" spell. After having quite the fiasco with our housing over the past month, I was extremely grateful for not being on the 38th floor anymore after the shaking episode.  It reminded me how things might not be going exactly like we would want them to but somebody above knows the big picture and what's best~ I need to remember this bit of wisdom for next time~ for there will always be a next time because we are "spirits having a human experience"!

Jordan

We recently went to Jordan and had an absolutely amazing time. Here are highlights~

~ Stunning countryside~ it's very green!
~ Kind people every single place we went
~ Historical sights were everything I dreamed of and more
~ Jesus' babtism sight and seeing the doves that frequent that place
~Jordan river and seeing the places where John the Baptism roamed
~Miraba, our new favorite place for its quaint city, friendly people and history
~Gathering salt at the Dead Sea
~ Riding a camel at the Dead Sea
~Watching Bob interact with people, a very tender sight
~Children following us
~Poor children begging~ heartbreaking
~Looking out over the expanse and into Israel that Moses saw at Mount Nebo
~Hiking throughout Jerash
~Mohammed our guide at Mount Nebo
~Hiking throughout Petra~ spent two days which could easily have been a week
What a wonderful trip~ I'm so blessed.

Amman

Boys in Amman they followed us and were "gqing"

These adorable ones chatted up a storm and followed us all around~cute!

Sacred place~ Jesus' baptism site

Petra~ what a climb! Alot for us old people:-)

Petra ruins

Amman from the Citadel

Mohammed and I at Mt. Nebo looking out over Israel

Petra classic with the camels~ awww I love it here

Lift up and spread cheer~

Today I was on a crossing bridge here in Abu Dhabi. In front of me was a man who appeared to be in his thirties or forties. He was carrying a small computer bag in one hand. His walk was a bit slow; his head was down. In his other hand I happened to notice his prayer beads which he casually laced through his fingers. I believe he was troubled. I can't tell you how many people here have the same slow gait with head down and seeming troubled souls. I didn't have the opportunity to say a kind word or to cheer this man in any way as he was in front of me in line. But I remember many times looking right into the eyes of men and women alike and merely saying "hello" or giving a smile. Many young men who are working men and have their heads and sometimes their faces covered have removed their coverings to reveal their own smiles and a thank you "ma" (which is said to an older woman~like their mother~I know sweet, right?). You see, many here rarely see a smile or hear a hello from others. The women are the same and I can't tell you how many times a middle eastern or Indian woman has done the same for me; most noticeably when I have felt alone or needed a little care. A friendly smile or simple "hello" might be the only good thing that happens to a person that day~ and it's so simple!
Our journey's are rarely the same but we all come from the same God and I think he would be happy to know that we are helping each other through the days.

names in the sand of UAE

I took these picture of our names in the sand here in the Middle East and thought I would offer to do the same for any of you that might think this is a fun idea~ I can send via email. I made a big copy, framed and put on our family wall. I can even do a much better job as these were not super great. I can write anything you would like, within reason of course ;-) Just let me know in a comment. Just a thought~~

Watching over us

Look who is watching over two of my grandkiddies~ and all of us too

Happy Life

"All the fennel wanted was a happy life for her little seeds"
Patience Brewster

Gratitude

Gratitude

The little things mean so much~ they really do

 

Fun in the fog...

 View from our balcony 38th floor! Yikes!

Looking out toward the sea; those clouds are just rollin' in~ amazing

Our society of liars

There is a bitter sweet story going around the news currently. That of Lance Armstrong, the champion cyclist, as the doper. He now after many years, has admitted to using enhancement drugs to boost his chances of winning at an increasingly competitive sport. I'm so saddened by this and mostly that he had lied to everyone for so many years.“Things come apart so easily when they have been held together with lies" Including my sweet Mr B, who has been a cycle fan for many years and who has stayed healthy over time by doing his favorite thing, cycling. He faithfully watches the Tour De France and other races around the globe. I think he feels that he has known these big names in the cycle world personally. Not really, but he knows them~ but obviously didn't know them. “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.”George Washington
A few years ago we were living in California and went to catch a glimpse of the riders on the Tour De Cali. It was exciting to say the least to actually see these guys that we have faithfully watched on the big screen winning fame and becoming bigger than life. Now Mr B has found out that almost all of these cyclists were doping and somehow the spark has slightly gone dim for watching these fallen "heroes". “I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.” But this group of dishonest people are not alone. In fact, we hear about leaders in the US government having extra marital affairs, driving drunk when they proclaimed to be good Christians and had a holier than thou kind of an attitude toward those that did the same. It's a sad sort of affairs when those that somehow have been put on these pedestals by us are on a serious down sliding into the vast pool of liars. They have good company, some of the smartest people we know. Somehow liars to me are the worst kind of examples.“Anything is better than lies and deceit!” Leo Tolstoy
 I know how hard life is and I can't imagine what it is like to be in the shoes of those on the celebrity or government leaders roll book. We live in tumultuous times when everyone is struggling to make ends meet, to overcome their feelings of inadequacy in the whirl wind business arena or just in the kids car pool arena. I have a natural forgiving heart and always want to see the best in others in spite of their troubles and weaknesses. I just don't want to see dishonesty and its prevalence go unannounced. Somehow we need to make it easier to exist and not feel so threatened by not being able to do it all or not being as good as someone else. When I was a young Mom, I struggled to have the smartest kids, the best yard on the block, make the best food, wear fashionable things on an extreme budget, etc, etc. ....blah, blah, blah!
It was exhausting and I wasn't even good at any of those things! But somehow in my old age I have figured out that it just isn't all that important. At the end of the day I still go to bed with Mr. B and wake up looking scary and just try to do the best that I can with the life that has been given to me. “There is beauty in truth, even if it's painful. Those who lie, twist life so that it looks tasty to the lazy, brilliant to the ignorant, and powerful to the weak. But lies only strengthen our defects. They don't teach anything, help anything, fix anything or cure anything. Nor do they develop one's character, one's mind, one's heart or one's soul.”  Jose Harris
You see it's my opinion that people lie to cover up for their inadequacies and maybe trying to do much more than they are mentally or physically capable of. Where should liars go? I don't know, I guess the same place the rest of us go~ to a forgiving family and hopefully to a forgiving society.
“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” Mark Twain
― Mark Twain

Istanbul pictures

Our first place to see, the Blue Mosque. There were probably 1,000 lights like the ones you can see here, they used to be candles. Can you imagine the work of lighting those candles every day/evening, or the smoke they had to deal with from those candles? I'm glad they are now electric!

Our first day in Istanbul. It was 30 degrees~ I was freezing! We bought these caps from a street vendor with some gloves. Two sets for about $10. ~ I was so happy and finally a little warm. We didn't come prepared for freezing :-(

Passage of Concubines in the Harem part of the Topkapi Palace

An explanation of the previous picture

Basilica Cistern~ fascinating and beautiful. Under the city.

Hagia Sophia

They had these corn and chestnut vendors all over the city. We had chestnuts on Christmas Eve~tasty!

These were in the Topkapi Palace. Sultans from long ago wore these. They were lined with heavy material for warmth. I found out a few minutes later that I wasn't supposed to be taking pictures~oops!

This was inside the Physician's palace on the grounds of the Topkapi Palace. The tiles and glass work were stunning.

This is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. It was acres of shops. I could have spent a day here easy.

This is our new friend, Turut. He had worked in this shop,one of many owned by his family, since he was a boy. Bob bought a chess set from him and had a great time choosing and talking with this guy. And now he has his long awaited chess set from one of our favorite places.

This is a view from the Galata Tower.

Hanedan Hotel where we stayed in the Hittite Room. Quaint,with an incredible view from the terrace.

We spent a lot of time on the trains going places and loved hanging out in the evenings on this street.

Chora Church Museum. These mosaics date back centuries. Interesting history.

Some nights we would buy these rolls that would either be plain or stuffed with Nutella. Yum! There were street vendors all over the city, so easy to pick one up and they made for a great lunch or dinner on the go. This was on a walkway of the Sea of Marmara.

Marmara Sea fishing port. That sunset was so beautiful.

Princes Island: Buyukada. The sun was finally out! We caught a ferry to this island and stayed the day. I am trying to talk Bob into opening a bed & breakfast here during the summer~ any takers?! You would love it here.

Stray cats are seen everywhere in Istanbul. This was on Buyukada Island. They are not skinny cats by any means but so fat and cute. Enjoying a sunny day like the rest of us. 

These are a small representation of the pictures we took during our stay and I wish I could somehow include all the smells, and other things we experienced. One of the strangest things we went to was a performance of the Whirling Dervishes ceremony on Christmas Eve. You can read about it(do this first) and watch a You Tube here, if interested.
Whirling Dervishes or Mevlevi Order  & on You Tube here You Tube of Whirling Dervishes

I've been away...

... and it has been so grand! I spent time with kids and grandkiddies, had a tooth problem and now I'm old and have a bridge :-( The good thing was that it happened while I was in the US~just a little tender mercy from someone who is watching over me.) I saw some snow, I watched bball and soccer games, I played peek-a-boo, I went on dates with some very cute boys (grandsons!), went to the movie, stayed up late, late, late with my lovely girls, played games, watched my grandson receive the priesthood... it was a very wonderful trip and I was a little bit tired when I got home. Then, my sweet hub had planned a little adventure to Istanbul for Christmas. I had a day or two to wash my clothes, try to sleep and pack for the next excursion. Wowowowow!! do we love Istanbul. It was a dream come true for us. The sights, the smells, the beauty, the people, new friends, roasted chestnuts on Christmas, the cobble streets, the history, oh my, we were in heaven!! We can't wait to go back and see Ephesus and Cappidocia and spend more time in Istanbul. Anyone want to join us this summer? We would love to take you with us.
So now I'm home. Trying to catch up on my sleep a little, excited about our new Abu Dhabi ward building that we are meeting in for the first time on Friday (the first one built in the Middle East). So thrilling to be involved in such an historic event. Just so many things that I never dreamed I would be a part of or have the opportunity to see and experience. Life is so mystifying and seems to rarely turn out like we think it will. Maybe that's a good thing.

ART SHOW

We spent Saturday at the Abu Dhabi Art Festival. What an incredible experience! Three galleries full of art from the Middle East, all over Europe and South America. I was fascinated at the various things that others call art. Some that I'm sure our Grand kids could have done and were selling for an exorbitant price. There was a good mix of drawing, painting, sculpture, architecture, printmaking, digital graphics, collage, photography in mixed media, modern art, impressionistic, fabric art and so much more. I was in heaven! We love a good gallery. Not only was the art great but it was a melting pot of very interesting people from all walks of life. We saw wealthy art aficionados, colorful artists and lots of children who were involved in the myriad of activities for them. No matter what venue happens here there are always programs and activities for the children. The locals want so much for them to experience everything that the oodles of money here can give them. I'm always amazed at the variety and the hugeness of everything that goes on. Example in point, two well known artists are creating a massive pyramid a few miles out of the city,  using 440,000 55 gallon colorful oil drums. They have been planning it for over 30 years; just waiting for the art community here in Abu to catch up to the rest of the world :-) It will be magnificent when completed in 2015. We met a young woman named Nicky Broekhuysen who creates her art with the number stamps 1 and 0. Very time consuming and detailed. She was a delight! I now want to create something!

So this is one more thing that has contributed to the life here and a little glimpse of a Saturday so well spent. 

Apples to Applesauce

I met up with some sweet, jolly, red and green guys recently. They were calling out to me from their mountain at SPAR market. They were smiling and shiny. So I took them home. I gave them a bath and peeled them and took out the middle. Then they lay in my hot pot for about 30 until they were squishy. After a good strain and a whirly in my red oster-izer they were perfectly done! I sprinkled them with cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg too and gave them a spin~ my hubby thought I was a genius and we ate every drop! It's a middle east apple fest! I have two dinner parties this week~ I'm making more of this easy stuff!

Doin' the Laundry

Clothes rack~ingenious!

Washer/Dryer combo~ look at the time 3hours 21 min to do a load of a few towels--YIKES!

I have had a # of people from back home ask about my life here in the middle east. So I thought I would share a couple of probably mundane but "life" things. I know laundry is not a riveting topic, but I've had people ask so... I'm telling. My little washer/dryer combo will do a small load but it takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r! So many times because I'm impatient and because I think it's a huge waste of energy, I hang our clothes to dry on these wonderful drying racks. Many times I put it right out on the deck and within an hour or so it's all dry. Now I wouldn't do that here if I didn't live high up in the sky but seriously nothing can be seen this high up and we are the highest building around so... our stuff hangs outside to dry. If I don't feel like doing laundry, I take it to one of the little laundry cleaning places here in the city. They are suuuuppppeeeerr cheap and do a good job and they iron everything, even jeans...hehe! It's a beautiful thing! I'm so spoiled :-)

We did it!

                                                  Miles away and we voted! Yippee for freedom to vote!

Learning

I do!

Enzo the speed reader!

Sister Ang,my reading guru and Carter 2009

Harris Readers!

That Carter what a smartie!

Eli a lover of books!

I have been taking some math classes on line. Yes, someday I am going to obtain that degree that I never seemed to be able to finish. It will be a great day. I want to be sure that I leave a legacy of education to my children and grandchildren. I would like them to be avid readers, to enjoy the gift of acquiring knowledge, to read for themselves why things work the way they do and how to fix things. I want them to know about math and all its intricacies into our society, the fascination of physics, the beauty and amazement of flowers and plants, to know why the stars are out there and why the caterpillar changes into a Butterfly. How to play an instrument and revel in the joy of learning to practice until you succeed. I hope they learn some things about the law and study the constitution. Because of those laws, created over 230 years ago, they are free and live in a place full of opportunities.  Oh my, there are so many things to know! When a baby begins to explore his or her world they go for things that are colorful, shift in the light or make sound. They are already learning the things that some of the great inventors started thinking about and led to light bulbs, telephones, telescopes… see endless! Babies are so smart!

I found an article recently regarding the cost of things now versus then.
Dollar Times

It was interesting to see that our rent in 1976 when we were in college is now a whopping 813.23 and the hubby’s out of state quarterly tuition is now equal to 3,517.23. No wonder we were starving! But was it worth it~certainly. I live in a land where the local people are given such an easy life. They get a house when they are married, a monthly stipend from the government, free healthcare~yes free! (with an average of 10-14 visits per person per year~yikes!), free education~ even for those studying abroad. But along with all the freebie’s there is a down side which I won’t go into but you can guess right?! Just let it suffice to say the words entitled, rude, lazy and spoiled take on a whole new meaning. So, I guess I will continue my classes and my learning even if it’s not free~ oh, what a gift to have knowledge in all its varieties at our fingertips and within the pages of an amazing book, computer, Ipad or phone. My children and grandchildren always amaze me with their smartness, what a blessing to live in these times of amazing technology and amidst all these smart people! Wow! I learn so much from each person I meet~ what a gift!