What I really want to write about is how excited I am to be going to Dubai next weekend. I will have so much to write about... seeing old friends, going to watch tennis (and hopefully Roger Federer, getting my haircut... But alas I won't get ahead of myself.
This week when I visited the post office I was surprised to see a big padded manila envelope. It was from the Morris Kelly household in West Newton, MA. I was all smiles on my way past the counter and one of the postmen commented on how lucky I was that I got so much mail! I couldn't even wait until I got home to open it. I opened it as I walked and was so excited to see valentines from Annika and Elena. Annika just turned 7 and her sister Elena is 4. I have been friends with Annika and Elena since they were born! I met their father Peter when I worked at BU. Their mother Ruth is a good friend too. They are the proud owners of my Volkswagon Jetta. Peter actually taught me to drive a standard and drove my Jetta home on day of purchase. Peter and Ruth were always kind enough to Jetta sit when I traveled. I have spent many an evening at their home- Ruth is an excellent cook! And they have the most fun and biggest summer party! Is the date set yet for this year? Annika and Elena love princesses. So the valentines that they made were very elaborate as you can see from the picture. They are the perfect decoration for my kitchen wall.
And then there was Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day! Tuesday evening Paul invited friends over for the traditional (English thing) Pancake Day. So here is Paul's abridged history of Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day:
So how did Shrove Tuesday start? The word ‘Shrove' comes from the old English word ‘shrive' which means to confess ones sins. The tradition of Shrove Tuesday began when Christians had to clear out their pantry before Ash Wednesday which marks the start of Lent. Today many people give up just one thing for Lent, however hundreds of years ago all meats, eggs, milk and other rich foods were given up for 40 days to remember when Jesus went into the desert and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. The idea was that instead of throwing out the fats and eggs; they should be used to make pancakes as a final feast before the fasting period began.
As well as Shrove Tuesday being a day for making pancakes it is also a day for pancake races. This tradition is thought to have began in Olney, Buckinghamshire in 1445 when a woman was making pancakes and she forgot the time. Suddenly she heard the church bells ringing to signal the start of the service and in her haste she ran out of the house and to the church still holding the frying pan with the pancake inside. Across the UK (and around the world) pancake races are held in villages and towns, usually with several different races so that all ages can take part. The race requires the participants to run a course while tossing a pancake in their frying pan; the winner is the person who crosses the line first after tossing the pancake a certain number of times.
My friend and colleague Jess who you have been introduced to before, brought her children- Mia and twins Martha and Thomas for the big event. They were the winners!
The weekend included two trips to the big city of Jeddah. Wednesday/Friday night I went with a group of friends to Benihana- yes, just like the chain in the US. We (and especially the kids who were with us) enjoyed the cooking show and the food. I particulary enjoyed the sushi. I haven't had any since November and was beginning to go through withdrawl. I wish I could figure out how to caption my pictures. The little boys had fun playing in the plant arrangement after dinner while the big boys settled the bill. And the girls all enjoyed fruity drinks. (I could have used a shot of anything in mine.)
On Thursday/Saturday night I went to a party at one of the compounds in Jeddah. I opted for this over a party at the US Consulate and regretted the decision soon after I got there- the company was good but the party itself not so much so. A bus had been organized since there were about 40 people going from campus which meant it took most 2 hours to get there. I spare you all the details but suffice to say I don't think I will be going back to that compound anytime soon.
Friday/Sunday I made an enormous amount of pasta salad with shrimp, sundried tomatoes, olives, capers, roasted peppers, pine nuts and parmasean cheese. I think I'll be eating it for lunch and dinner all week. And a Texas sheet cake for a farewell party for Doreena. Doreena is married to one of the postdocs and has been working part-time in our office. She is going back to the US at the end of the week.
Work is finally a more normal pace. I actually leave by 6 and have been going to the gym on a regular basis! The pools opened this week and the beach is scheduled to open this weekend (of course the weekend I will be in Dubai). There are lots of rules surrounding the pools which I will save for a later blog- once I have swam and can report first hand. Have a great weekend all!
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