9/22/04

Jeff is watching a movie, extra pictures tomorrow!! Sorry.

Hello Everyone,
Jeff was going to do today’s update, but…he is watching a movie. Yes, a movie. The “Troy” DVD that we purchased did not have English subtitles or dialog, he was all set to watch, and then….the big disappointment. I’m sure glad he couldn’t walk to the video store or that sales clerk would have had it coming in a big way. He has been desperate for good ole’ American TV. Today he and Emil went back and traded Troy for two shoot-um-ups and a scary. When he first looked at the VCR there were no cables….MAN! Then he realized he had one with him that would work. Obstacle two overcome (one being the DVD), next he inserted the tape, with a grin, knowing a movie was close at hand. The tape popped back out at him. Back in it went; out it came (reminds me of the diaper saga we experience daily). Jeff did the magic trick he uses at work with broken hard drives…..and viola! The tape went in and stayed in. (Magic trick cannot be explained or it would no longer be magic – a hint….you might do this to a coke machine that ate your money) Although these are VHS tapes, the speaking is in English with Russian subtitles they are doing the trick. We are kicking back with a nice bottle of Russian Red and shared part of a very small, but delicious chocolate bar.

While out today, Jeff and Emil stopped to get a pizza from a place that Emil highly suggests. Apparently it is one of the only European style joints in town. Jeff picked up a four cheese pie, with blue cheese and three others. The crust was very thin and crisp, like Aunt Carolyn likes it. It was very, very good and a welcome change from our “getting to be normal” fare of anything that you can boil.

The two guys also stopped at the pharmacy for some congestion medicine for McCale. Jeff wanted to be sure that they got the right stuff, not stuffy nose meds, not sore throat meds, CONGESTION meds. He looked up the word congestion in our Russian Phrase book – he wrote the word on paper and showed Emil. Emil told him that congestion is a Traffic Jam not a cold symptom. Apparently they don’t use the word the way we do. They both got a chuckle out of it and added it to the list of words we have taught Emil. (New words: grid lock, wise ass and a couple other prize words). Emil is helping us say “Please”, etc. Far cry from the interesting words we want to learn.

After Jeff got back, I took a walk and ended up at the store located next to Patio Pizza. The sales clerk was following me around, first she asked if I spoke French, I said “Nyet” in my firmest Russian accent, but I didn’t have her fooled. She realized I must speak English so she continued to follow me, I picked up bread. She said “Bread!” I said “Yes, Bread” – she lit up. On to the next aisle, I picked up a box of Musli, she said “Ceereeeal” I said “yes, Cereal”. This continued on till I left, she was so sweet and cute. It’s so nice to have people in foreign countries be NICE to you.

I’m not sure if I mentioned that Emil has a United We Stand sticker on his car w. a US flag on it. I felt a tug at my heart the first time I saw it. So many people in the US have stopped displaying their flags or have taken the “Support Our Troops” stickers and signs down. Here we are, half way around the world and one of the kindest and gentlest men we have ever met continues to support us. Just another small sign of how Kazak people are.

Today the kids gave Jeff a run for his money. While I was out they woke up early from their naps and were HUNGRY. I was strolling along, taking things in. I even made a hair appointment for Sunday. If there are no more pictures of me after that you will know why. When I returned, there was milk splattered in the kitchen, things thrown about and two little ones on the floor performing their after meal ritual. He was a little frazzled so I’m glad I had picked up a few peroshkis for him. He really did a great job and handled things fine. He just couldn’t understand why there was so much crying and fussing. I laugh to myself…what happens when you miss a meal?

Well, I think I’m going to join Jeff on the couch. It’s looking mighty comfy. Tomorrow we should head to the zoo if the weather holds. Will keep you posted!!

Take care!! Colene

Special Notes:
Marlee – can’t wait to see ya!
Jenn – what up girl?
Lynn – oh dear Lynn….how are you?
Sue/Al/Cod – as always THANKYOU
Dad Belli – More wine in the rack in the dining room Drink up!! Don’t work too hard, thank you!
Mom Belli – can you please please look to see if they sell Nestle NAN in the states? Its formula.
Mom A – soon, very soon!
Dad – where ya been???
Maxie - study hard, great to hear from you
WPA families in Almaty, Dinner on Fri??Steph/Sam have you seen any pictures you want to use?!!
Molly, Jack and Goob – we miss you, now get off the computer
Lisa K……oh, thank you so much!