Wanna know more about Russia?
Go on this link, you won't regret it. Very informative :)

Monday morning...

It's getting harder and harder to get up. Even coffee can't break through my sleepiness. I want to go back to bed!

May I stay home and help you all make cookies today? Please?

Airless and hot

I couldn't believe it when I came out of my office. Outside it didn't feel like outside at all. It felt like I was entering a sauna, or came near the back of an air conditioner. It's 40 degrees C (100 F), for goodness sake! Ukraine is not used to climate like this. The only time I experienced something like that was on tour in New York in 1998 (sometime in fall, I guess?) When I came out from an airport, I couldn't breathe right away, I was looking for some sort of a roof, because I couldn't believe that this was actually a normal condition for outside.
My point is, boy is it hot here!

I feel good.... cuz I've got you!

What can be better
than a hot cup of strong
coffee in the morning?
Even a taste of it says
'Good morning!!!
RISE AND SHINE!!!'
Up you go, go, go...
Have fun today
for it's a beautiful day!

Isn't coffee just the best thing to wake up with?

Interesting observations...

Donskoys are completely furless. They are a little rat-like in appearance, and have very large ears, compact bodies and big paw pads. Donskoys have surprisingly long toes. They have flat faces but sport sharp features and almond shaped eyes. They have a mildly oriental look about them.

:)))

Faces you should know...

Happy returning from a great family rest in Crimea. Jamie, myself, my brother Andrey and his wife Olesya enjoying beer and taranka (dried fish) at the airport table while waiting for the plane. Notice the red-burned happy faces. Our tan became brown by the time we arrived home.

My cousin Jenya, his wife Anya, Olesya and Andrey

Our fun family times

That's what our friendly company looked like. Everybody recognized us at the beach

Cotton candy!!! What can be better?!

(a good way of hiding from some curious eyes)

The service in the tourist complex was SO good! Beautiful little wooden houses with A/C, refrigerator, TV set, shower, outdoor terrace with summer table and chairs. Great people working and resting there, good food :) Loved it! Look at it, it's like Green Peace dream!

The family keeps growing :)

How we entertained ourselves on the beach

we went scubadiving (sp?) LOTS of tiny little crabs

...eating them, too
Kusto team...
we held hands under water while exploring

the Little Mermaid's world :)

Vacation in Crimea!!!

We're not pigs! They say this mud is healing....

My big brother and me :) People say we look alike.

Grandma with her children and grandchildren...

...and her cute little house and car :)))

I'm back!

Alright, enough attention for ratatouille already. I finally got to my poor little blog. It thought I forgot all about it.
Just wanted to mention that Jamie and I were away for almost two weeks. We went on a very pleasant trip to Crimea together with Mom and Dad, their 5 foster children, grandma, my brother and his wife and Melanie... What a great group! We had so much fun and good times. I wish I could post some pictures right away, but I'll have to make you wait a little, maybe tomorrow. Anyhow, it was great. Now that I have this job I'm beginning to really appreciate days off, holidays and vacation.