YPA!*

I am back. Hopefully for a long spate of more regular blogging. I blame my absence on a month-long spell of what-the-heck-did-we-do-coming-here. Having been to Georgia a few times before, and having lived in the Caucasus for two years, I figured we'd adjust just fine. But our life is quite a bit different now, than it was then. Having kids, we chose to live in an area quite far from town, but close to the Embassy, and with a couple of paved roads ideal for bikes and scooters. We are also very isolated and I think I had underestimated my love of city life. I sure miss it now.

But.

Our car arrived. We are all very excited. Even Natasha. Yesterday she pooped on the potty for the first time. While sitting there with her pants around her ankles, she said (in Russian): "Mama! I pooped in the potty!  And our car is here!"  There you have it folks. The arrival of our car is right up there with poop in the potty. It was a big day in our house.

The girls and I embarked on a journey to a nearby produce market today. I didn't hit anyone and no one hit me. We made some vendor friends and bought some raspberries. And there was a playground across the street. We even found some sidewalks that could accommodate our stroller. We took a walk. It felt freeing. For the first time in a month, I was happy to be in Georgia. YPA!*

Believe it or not, this sight made me very happy.

Bucket o' raspberries ... about $8 for more than three pounds.

On the road again ... so glad to be on the road again.

*YPA is Russian for "hooray." Pronounced "oorah!"