Ethiopia Week 3

Judy: Well, Anne was sick most of the week....cold. So I had do things alone....not, that was a problem, but I worried about her not having fun. I know that she wanted to be alone....like an animal that is sick.

So, when Anne came home after work, I really wanted to go to Jan Meda (a large field by the University) for the Epiphany celebration. But, I knew Anne was sick and really didn't want to go anywhere. She didn't say that, but she told that I was wrong and the celebration was tomorrow. I know that I have problems with processing, but I was sure that I was right. So, I visited my friend, the concierge, to see what was happening. AND, I was right! Anne was wrong....but, she was sick so......

I asked her if she would like to go.....even though I knew by her body language (curled in the bed under the covers) that the answer was "No". So, I forged the way to Jan Meda.

Anne: geez...I thought she would never leave!!

At the first corner, when I didn't know whether to go straight, left or right....I asked two young ladies if they could direct me to Jan Meda. One of the ladies said "We are going to Jan Meda....would you like to accompany us." Good thing, because I didn't have clue there I was going....even though I had a map....did I say that I had a problem with processing??Anyway, my two friends Afamily and ?? took me under their wings....protected me...one on my left and one on my right....two guardian angels! I know that I have angels to protect....and they're in Ethiopia too.

Well, I was too late to see the celebration with the Priests, choirs and the services. But, I did see the boys chasing the girls....this was the scene that my friends wanted to see. The boys circled around and danced so the girls would take notice...then, the boys would pull one of the girls around to dance. AND, guess what, I was pulled to the circle to dance! When I finished (or was too tired to dance....me old) , we look around at other groups of boys, AND, guess what, I was pulled in other circles....again, and again, and again! My friends were shocked that I can dance! Really, I was as old as their Mother!

Did, I say that I was the ONLY "france" (foreigner) in Jan Meda at that time? The girls were very worried that I might get lost....so, Afamily put her cell phone number in my phone and put mine in her's, so if we were parted we could find each other again. Her friends were 19 and 20, but I felt like a child again...holding my parents hands. And, I was grateful for my friendship.

After we left Jan Meda, my friends made sure that they accompanied to the Hilton so they would know I was safe. When we arrived at the hotel, I called Anne to see if she felt good enough to meet my friends. I'm trying to see if my friends could have dinner with Anne and me.....but first, Afamily's Father must approve of us. So, we wait!

Tuesday was Epiphany....Timket festival traces its origin to the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Yesterday, (the eve of Timket) the Tabot (a replica of the Arc of the Covenant) from each Ethiopian Orthodox church around Addis to taken to Jan Meda and the Priests, elders, choirs and the members of each church congregate to Jan Meda for the ceremonies and to be baptized again. Yesterday, was called "Ketera". Ketera is originated from the Amharic word (national language in Ethiopian) "meketer" ....to contain water.

The origin "Arc of Covenants" (Ten Commandments) is believed to be in Ethiopia in the Axum Tsion Church. All of the Ethiopian Orthodox Churches have a relica of the origin...the Tabots.

All Timket (Tuesday), the Priests carry the Tabots to their respective churches with the masses following on, dancing and singing. Then, at the church there is a service and social event.

So, as the churches were in festivities and Anne was sick, I went on a walk to find a music shop that I heard about! That's how I met my new friends.....Brook and Adane. J

Anne:...seriously, how does she do it!

I started walked to find the "Old MilK Club" (restaurant), but couldn't find it because it is no longer open. Then, I started walking to the music shop....least where I thought it was. Couldn't find it....so, asked two men if they knew where the music shop there. In seconds, I was walking and talking holding Brook's and Adane's hands! They were celebrating the holiday and weren't busy so they accompanied me to the shop.....which was closed because of the holiday! Brook's teaches English and Amharic and Adane is a driver for the U.N. They asked me if I would to go a coffee or a glass of wine. So...we did.... first coffee at first front of a car repair shop, sitting on milk/pop crates ordered by a woman who rinsed cups and poured coffee from a thermos! The coffee was good. After our coffee, thanked my new friends, ready to say goodbye. But, Adane said "When, we haven't gone for wine yet".....so, we did....at a bar/restaurant in their community.

Anne called to see where I was....I told with my new friends having a beer (I decided I didn't want wine....the local wine isn't not good). I did ask her if she would like to join us at the bar...."Not really".

Anne: Hmmm.....you should have heard the invitation. So I just rolled my eyes and left her to her boy toys!

I learned about their lives and them my life....it was all good. I called Anne to ask if she wanted to go dancing with Brook and Adane.....but, we decided to go when she felt better. The guys walked to the Hilton which was a lesson with children asking for money.....I was struggling about this. Everytime, I walk or shop, somebody asks for money....and I don't know how to handle this. I asked Brook and Adane. They stopped to buy gum from children and one of the kids, who wasn't selling gum, asked me for money...I asked them if I should give him money. Their opinion was don't give him the money.....if the kids were selling things....support by buying their products. That made sense to me.....the term "learned hopelessness" shouldn't be encouraged ....support work rather handouts. The boys selling gum were doing something to support our lives....next time I will support our efforts.

Okay, I think Anne might have a contribution to this blog....and I should support her in her efforts....

Anne

Well I hate to interfere with Jude's creative spell.....but okay.

The rest of the week was a blur really. Wednesday my assistant booked me a massage at the Hilton, which I found out about when I came home from work. Quite a nice surprise! My masseuse was trained by a 250lb German manlady I'm sure. When she drove her fingers through my delicate but beautiful feet I knew I was in trouble. Hard to relax when you are holding your breathe and constantly travelling to your "happy place" (swimming in a vat of hot fudge sauce) J

Thursday at noon I packed to leave for an out of town retreat...only to unpack later that night because it was postponed! So since I was free and in the city....I went off to meet Judy's new friends Brook and Adana for drinks. They do exist....and they are surprisingly nice. Hmm...she usually attracts losers? They again escorted us back to the Hilton and we left with the promise of a traditional restaurant on Saturday night. What am I doing!!

Friday was my busiest day in 3 weeks..at work. Management was in town...deadlines are looming..and everybody was vying for my attention. Oye...I can't imagine how crazy next week will be. Hard to believe that it's my last week. And we haven't even finished working our way through the Hilton menu!!

But it was a good Friday cuz we were back into our routine... Work then gym then dinner off the compound. Back to Island Breeze for pizza...seriously, best pizza! Then had a fight with a taxi driver to end a lovely day. It was a well deserved fight...complete with leaving the cab without paying then being chased by the cabbie...then throwing money at the cabbie. Ahhh...very entertaining indeed. I wasn't worried cuz I knew I could take him. But he did want 200 Birr for a 3o Birr trip!! We just refused...that's all....and stood our ground!

We did go to dinner Saturday night (Yoda Absynnia) with Adana, Brook, and Eramias. We ate traditional food, watched singing and dancing...and then duly escorted to our hotel by our "brothers". It was a fun night. Adani is very protective of Judy...very cute. Oh, he has a fiancé by the way, I don't think I'm leaving her here??

And last but not least...we took off to the country on Sunday. Ohhh so nice to get out of the city and see some churches, baboons, and farms. The real Africa!! :0

Oh my god...it's happy hour in the bar (Hilton office)....And Africa Cup football on TV...so enough of you guys!

Just when I thought it was safe to sign off....she's done it again. This time it's a 5mos baby girl named Seeam. A couple from the US just adopted her and Judy has become the grandmother. She's been holding her for the past half hour. I wish I had the camera....that tiny little black hand in that big white mitt!! Tooooooo cute for words J

Anywayyy...over and out for now

Circle and square

Yeah! The panties are here!

Judy:

Not only is it Epiphany BUT my underwear finally arrived....3 birr (.25 cents) per panty.

People in the lobby bar asked me if I was Brittany Spears!

J

Ethiopia Week 2

January 11-17, 2010

Well, we are still in Ethiopia and we are still talking to one another!!! The highlights of this past week have been

• Taxi rides from purgatory (not quite hell)
• Roaming the streets of Addis
• Laundry
• And Jessica Biels

TAXI's

Anne:

We have ventured out for dinner a few nights over the past 2 weeks. Anytime we took a cab (other than to the Sheraton) the drivers didn't know how to get there. They are good enough to call the office before leaving the Hilton but that doesn't always seem to help. I have learned that I don't have a lot of patience for taxi drivers that don't know how to drive a taxi. It doesn't matter what city or country I'm in.

Well after travelling down some wrong streets, bumping over sidewalks and drainage ditches, continually stopping to ask passersby, turning around in the middle of traffic...we usually do arrive at our destination. People in Addis don't know street names...they use a landmark!

Judy:
AND, the streets most of the time don't have signs....so if you have a map you can't compare where you are. AND, the map seems to confuse people here, so the map is useless!!

Anne:

I guess my only consolation is that the rides are fairly inexpensive compared to home. And when do I have the opportunity to drive around in a ratty Lada, which may have been "hotwired" to start...doors barely closing....diesel fumes pouring in...and springs sticking where springs shouldn't stick!

Yes...all part of the adventure!! AND Thank GOD...they have a no cell phone and driving law.

Judy:
Not to mention that the driver can't see with the black smoke coming from the car ahead.

You know, when we are walking, we try to use the crosswalks BUT, the drivers here don't care that you are in the crosswalk! Oh well, that's life....or not....

Anne:
They probably get extra points for hitting people on crosswalks!!! It's like being in a video game. Seriously, play "Road Warrior" then come to Ethiopia!!!

Roaming the Streets of Addis Ababa
Anne:
So yes, we have been out on a walkabout. We went shopping, scoped out other hotels/restaurants, and just roamed willy nilly. We have been told on numerous occasions that it is safe. Maybe some pickpockets, so keep your money protected.

People can tell that we aren't from here...must be the accent! J

The one thing that we learned first-hand is that you might pick up a "hanger-on"...for hours!

Judy
We are marked as soon as we leave the Hilton gates. I'm getting pretty good with this though...but Anne sucks. "The Look" doesn't even work!!!

She had some guy named Job follow her and chat constantly, spewing facts and bible and shopping tips...all the while telling him "I know, I've been here before". I kept telling him that we don't need a guide but he wouldn't leave........until after the sad story about his grandmother and Anne caving and giving him some money.

We aren't being mean....this is his job!!!

Anne
Soooo....I now use some Amharic that Les taught me before I left Halifax...anI have taught Judy as well
"Becca"......enough!
We were both sooo pissed off at Job (I've never seen Judy be rude before) that it almost ruined our afternoon but we found the best cheeseburger in Addis and all was forgotten.

Island Breeze is a cute little restaurant run by Americans. We had a great meal, cold beer, and a fun chat with the owner. His take on being a boss in this society was enlightening. Of course he is an extremely hyper Type A personality trying to cope in a different culture. Not really working for him!

But it was fun to hear about the rules of employment and listen to music from the 70/80's.

Judy:
Yeah, it was a culture shock for us.....my brother is a server in a restaurant. But, this restaurant is different from his employer. I'm sure that the pay is very little, but the employer feeds his employees....breakfast, lunch and dinner AND, coffee time is around 1 hour, then 1.5 for lunch....And, the employees get paid whether they work a day or not.

Hmmm....maybe I could work here when I'm ready!!!!

Laundry

Anne:
Well...what can I say other than Judy hasn't had any underwear for the past 5 days!!! As my executive assistant I expected her to do a few little chores throughout the day. Every day I come home from work to find her sitting outside reading...sipping a fruit smoothie. And people are always waving at her or hugging her or saying "Hi". I have no idea what goes on during the day!!

Judy:

I can't help it if I'm hot!!!

Anne:
Maybe, hot-flashes!
Finally on Thursday she decided to go to the laundry. I had Tesfu (my taxi driver) take her and the 2 big bags of laundry off to the Laundromat. (I was not feeling well...so was allowed to stay behind).

Two hours later she came into the room and I said "Hey how was that adventure"! That's when I heard "Well Anne...I don't have our clothes". After blinking several times and about to ask if they were stolen, I then got a little lecture on life in Addis. It's funny how she can talk really well when she needs to justify something!

There are no automatic washers/dryers....the people at the laundry do it...probably by hand? So they all had to count every piece of underwear, socks, pants....then count again...then barter over a price. The first laundry service said it would take 20 days. I think they must send it to Italy!!!

So they went to another laundry...which only takes 5 days. I'm wondering if at any time during this process did she think to just bring it back to the hotel for us to wash in the tub!!! But noooo.....let's leave it. And, even though Tesfu had to count our underwear...at least he was there to help her out.

Which then leads us to the term "commando". Laundry girl has learned a lesson...pack more underwear or take back 1 or 2 pairs to wash. I, at least have one pair.......which I constantly talk about. "Oh my underwear is so comfortable"......."No, that's my underwear drying"

Hmmmm....maybe that's why so many guys are waving at Judy the past few days???

Judy:
Ha!
I decided to change my "do" :0

That reminds me....there are so many butcher's shop here...one side of beef pinned on a wall in a stall. It is fresh every morning then at night it is taken down....I don't know where it goes....but.... maybe its best not to know.
You buy a slab (1 kilo) and eat just like that....Ethiopians love their raw meat! WE preferred to cook it!

Anne:
I don't know what that has to do with the laundry???
Anyhooo...the last highlight of the week was rubbing elbows with Hollywood. I rarely go down to breakfast but I was in need of coffee. And lo and behold right in front of me was Jessica Biel. And probably Jacques Cousteau's granddaughter...and Robert Kenndey's granddaughter and who knows who else. Yup....the skinny little wenches just climbed Mt. Kiliminjaro and were now here touring UN camps.
Their climb was Summit on the Summit...bringing awareness to clean water. So that was kinda cool.

Well that's been our week. Tomorrow (Monday) we get our laundry back...hopefully ....and it's the start of week 3!!! Wow....time flies. What kind of trouble can we get into this week...

Stay tuned to Square and Circle Adventures!!
A & J

P.S. This is new....I saw a wedding reception in the hotel tonight that had a side of beef hanging up to serve to the quests...raw slab of beef....we didn't have that at our wedding reception at home! See the photo.....

Ethiopia Week 1

Anne: Welllll….sometimes it's hard to believe that a week has already gone by and on the other hand it seems like we've been here forever.The last you heard of us was last weekend? It was a good weekend…carefree and curious. Then Monday….. Monday was my first day of work. I was up realllly early, eager for the start of my assignment…mind whirling about "things to do." I prepped…"others" slept, unaware that a new day had started…or that I had even left the room!!!!

Judy: I knew you were awake....you were noisy!

Anne: I arrived at EHNRI (Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute) after acquiring a car and driver. I have to look after myself!!! Had to wear my "big girl bloomers"!!!!Met with my colleagues then I was promptly ignored….holed up in Peter's office (CDC). I read master plans, CLSI documents, all the while wondering if anybody was going to talk to me. So, when bored what do I do….call Judy! We have phones with Ethiopian numbers, so I can keep track of her!!

Judy:...it is my job to serve her!

Anne: On Sunday she was all gung ho to go roaming around the city. She was going to walk here and there…meeting the people and getting the feel the Addis Ababa. I gave up trying to talk her out of it, knowing that it would only encourage her!! 

Judy: Hmmmmm

Anne: But then Monday morning I heard this little voice say "I think I'll stay put and rest today…I have lots of time to roam around". True After checking to make sure it was actually Judy talking…I gave a little "Pheww" and ran off to greet the day. Then I called…
After rambling about my morning I asked what she had been up to….and I heard "I wasn't going to tell you this…but"! My first thought was (1) Oh my god, she adopted a couple of kids and they are in the room and (2) oh my god, she got married and now all the family is in the room……because she's been on her own for at least 5 hours!!!! But no, it was "I left my carbamezapene at home". Her anti-seizure meds.I could tell that she was upset and I was stunned for a bit, but we did a little bit of brainstorming and with that fake laugh…signed off.

Judy: Ditto 
Anne: Well we both did some spinning…me with my CDC co-worker and ready to call the Canadian Embassy here in Addis and Jude back with Google, internet, and Hilton Addis Ababa. The bottom line…they have a clinic at the Hilton…the doctor was in who wrote a script…the concierge took the script and sent someone to the pharmacy ….and lo and behold…in Ethiopia…Judy got a month worth of drugs for a $25 consult and about the same for meds.

Judy: AND friends forever at the front desk concierge!!! AND, I made lots of friends with staff also in the clinic!

Anne: Back at EHNRI, I finally met with my co-workers at 4pm. We hammered out deadlines and duties…and let's just say I have a lot of work to do. Then by 5:30 I packed up and headed back to the hotel.It was a big day!! To celebrate drugs and first day of work, we went over to The Sheraton for dinner. The hotel itself is wayyy over the top…belongs in Saudi. So I figured the Christmas decorations would be impressive….and they didn't let us down. Unfortunately I left my camera at home, so no proof. J But it was extremely opulent and the perfect way to end that rollercoaster day. Hard to believe a few hours earlier we were ready to put Judy on a plane and send her home!!

Judy: HEY I didn't know that was the plan!!!

Anne: Tuesday I was given my own cubicle in the CDC wing of EHNRI. Very grandiose!! I set out my new pencils, pens, sticky notes, laptop..then after an hour was told I was in the wrong cubicle and had to move!! L Oye vey….. Had lots of meetings…found that I have even more work to do especially since they don't have any policies written but expect a quality manual!!! So guess what I'm doing first! After work it was a flurry of emails and skype calls back to the US. And at 8pm, we are ordering pizza from room service. How sad is that????? But you know…Ethiopia has the best pizza. The Italians "tried" to take over the country for a spell…didn't succeed but left behind some good recipes. J The other one or "Dingledrawers" as I call her…once again stayed in the compound.

Judy: I also have choices for names for Anne!

Anne: Spent time reading, doing her language on the balcony or in the Gazebo by the pool. That's where I found her…talking out loud….to herself….telling neighbouring dinners that she wasn't crazy!!! Hmmm….glad I was at work!! :0 True Wednesday was a blur…even more work but nothing has been surprising yet.

There was another quiet day at the Hilton. Jude touched base with the clinic doc, ventured out a bit, then spent the day reading and doing her language. We decided to be "wild" that night and go out to dinner….so went to "Jewel of India". That's one of Judy's chores…..read the travel book, take notes and come up with "things to do, places to go". Between the book and recommendations by co-workers…we have a lot of exploring to do. Dinner was fabulous!! Even better was knowing that the week was half way to being finished and I had a holiday from work the next day. Thank-you! Yup, Ethiopian Christmas falls on Jan. 7th…so no work. Yeahhhhhhhh…..sleep perhaps? Jetlag or responsibilities are messing with my sleep pattern so I am looking forward to a day off. God I sound like a civil servant!

Santa has found me in Addis. I found a bottle of beer, chocolate bar, and fingernail clippers on my pillow. I briefly wonder if Santa read the wrong letter but how ungrateful does that sound? After all, a girl just had a materialistic Christmas in Canada……and maybe Santa has a quota?

Judy: Santa also came to me! I got a bag and a CD....which probably won't listen again. But...

Anne: .Everything is closed today but the hotel is having a special Christmas brunch/dinner. We had thought to "play it by ear" but by early afternoon were scrambling to the brunch. I want you to know that we have been at the fitness center almost everyday…and Christmas day was no different. Just meant we could spend more time there….like 90minutes!!! AND everyday I have brought my lunch to work (PB and banana wrap) Just so you don't think we are constantly eating, drinking, eating, drinking…..okay, but it's after the gym!!!

Anyway…we had Christmas brunch with traditional Ethiopian foods, dancing, and singing. Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew), Tibbs (cubes of meat in a spicy sauce), Kitfu (minced raw meat), Injera (see below)…BBQ, Blue Nile perch, raw meat (we skipped that)…all chased down with the honey wine called Tej. Or what I call "gag"!

Judy: Turpentine?
Anne: The dancing is amazing….I think they are double-jointed? I don't understand why they don't dislocate shoulders or necks or hips or entire bodies. The costume or dress is beautiful. And, it will come as no surprise to most of you…but some of us also danced. They grabbed Judy first.

Judy: Of course!
Anne:It was a congo line type of dance followed by individual performance. The whole performance has been captured on video for future bribery!Then they were at the table again…first Judy then yours truly. We danced at that table, following the dancers lead. Had to shake shoulders, necks, shoulders…all to the music.

We were AWESOME!!!! Hmmmm…..you never know, we might be asked to perform on a regular basis!!!

Judy: I was better than Anne! :)

Anne: Christmas was a lot of fun. Traditionally it revolves around hours and hours in church, then feasting and games. Very few presents if any. Some families pool funds and buy a goat or a cow, which they slaughter and share. I saw a cow kicking and bucking on my way home Wednesday evening…now I understand why!!!No big screen TV's, cameras, or PS3's here for presents!!


Fun and dancing were over and Friday was back to work. Judy came into work as well, as a favour to Gech. One of my co-workers wanted a consult on an EQA presentation, so off to work we went.

Judy:  Yeah! I got out of the hotel gates!

Anne: I downloaded pictures and watched "football"….I know my place! esides our date with Gech, the main highlight of Saturday was lunch with Les and Lilly's family. Les works in Chemistry at home and I have been bringing presents to his wife, Lilly's family, the past 2 trips. We were picked up at 12:30, brought to Mekonnen's house (Lilly's brother) where other sisters, cousins, father, children…were gathered…..and treated to traditional Ethiopian dishes.

It was amazing…even the Tej was palatable! After lunch we had a traditional coffee ceremony. The green coffee beans are roasted over a small coal fire…pounded or ground using a wooden mortar and pestle……then the powder is added to boiled water…reboiled…then poured into espresso-like cups. The coffee is amazing. Can't get any fresher and the roasting gives it a beautiful nutty flavour. This coffee ceremony is a daily event in Ethiopia in every home...morning, noon and dinner.

Coffee was discovered here and it is so a part of the culture….and it is meant to be enjoyed with family/friends/neighbours….all taking time to share and chat and enjoy. No coffee makers on timers then poured into travel mugs here!!!

As an expression of our gratitude, we brought the family presents. Jude had picked up snazzy pencils and sharpeners for the children before she left home.

Judy: The kids liked me more than Anne.

Anne: I brought over bags of maple candy from Robertson's candies……and we also shared a traditional food item from our culture. Yes…..there are now 2 boxes of Kraft Dinner in Mekonnen's kitchen for the whole family to share. Can't get any more North American than that!!!! 

Judy: Sara would know that was my idea!

Anne: After coffee the whole family piled into the van and brought us back to the Hilton at 4:30, then trundled off to see the Christmas lights at the Sheraton. Life can be simple!

That and Gech made our Saturday…to say the least.

Today, Sunday, we took a guided tour out into the northern countryside. We visited Melko Futurno (archeological dig) , Adida Meriam (rock hewn cave church (12th century), and a World Heritage site...Teya Steli ( ancient burial site)…Ethiopian's version of stone henge…then late lunch at a traditional restaurant. Fascinating!

The countryside is beautiful. Volcanic rock, trees, open plains, and people everywhere.Walking, herding, riding buses, riding donkeys or horses, walking. People upon people heading to the market…working in the field……waiting for buses. I don't know where they come from!!! And animals everywhere…especially donkeys, goats, sheep and cows. All the field work is done manually. Cows are tied together and led round and round, stomping the wheat, then the farmer thrashes it to separate the grains from the stalk.To cut the wheat they use a sickle, then pile it onto a donkey to bring it to the farmstead.

Very "old fashioned"…very hard work.

Judy: Just getting to the market is hard work.....lots of walking often with sacks of wheat or tef (something like wheat that is used to made injera). Injera is a large pancake-shaped with a foam-rubber texture and a slightly sour taste. Injera takes time to prepare.....the tef dough is fermented for up to 3 days BEFORE it is cooked.

Injera is used like a spoon....a piece in your hand is used to scoop the stew (wat) into your mouth.....hmmm, we are clumsy with this! The stew (wat) is poured on the injera and strips are tore to was your "spoon". It is normal for everyone to eat off the same plate.

Anne has a problem with digesting injera, I think. ;)

Anne: Oh, we tried trippy or should Judy tried trippy....she didn't know what it was but she said that it was licking her mouth.....looked furry on one side....kinda' like a tongue BUT it wasn't tongue...it was the stomach of the animal.

Judy: Think about when you food gets in your stomach....the stomach walls are licking your food!!!!

Anne: The houses are made out of sticks, mud, straw …and use dried dung as a fuel source. Quite often there is more than one house, so a compound of family homes. They add a privacy fence made out of twigs, branches, and rocks. Looks very nice.

Sometimes the houses are painted but mostly they are mud coloured. But the grounds are very neat and everything and everyone has a place or a job. No lazing around here!!!It's like going back in time…… Well that was the week.

Sorry, I know it's like a tome so maybe one of us will have to blog more often!!! Thanks for all the emails, skype calls/chats. It's good to know what's going on back home. Especially knowing we are missing the snow and cold weather…HaHa.

Toodles for now
Ciao Square (Anne) and Circle