What I've been up to lately

T was off from school for two weeks, and that was so nice! We had lots of plans of maybe going away, but in the end decided to have vacation at home. Very nice! We had delicious treats and saw lots of friends.

And I did a little bit of crocheting. I started this kipa for T, thinking that he should have a new one for the start of his studies. It is not exactly finished yet, but little by little it is getting there. I love these purples, grays and blues? But is it too feminine? I am not sure about this purplish tendency in the colours... Hopefully adding some more gray and blue will do the trick.

Of the highlights during our vacation at home were two visits from good friends. M came from Chicago and stayed with us for a bit, and that was lovely! He was trying to figure out what it would be like if he came to Jerusalem to live for a year or two, and it was so great hearing him talk about the different possibilities. And then S, a childhood friend of T's, came in to Jerusalem for a brief afternoon with her adoring son E. She was visiting with her family for a couple of weeks.We walked around the Old City with her looking at pottery, went to the Austrian Hospice, then had some falafel and went to the Western Wall. And we met up with A, S's husband, who I had never met before - it was super!

We have also been trying to keep afloat with all the work that needs doing around the house. It is incredible how much work is needed to keep a fairly new apartment looking good. Grouting the tiles on the floor, painting, new silikon around the sinks in the kitchen, oh and some more painting. I went a little haywire and bought 18 liters of paint to paint the entire apartment. And I also got this funky new kind of paintbrush. It is a sponge, which you dip into the paint, like you would a roller, and then you smear it onto the wall. It is actually fun! And I am sticking to that story!

October Pink

October is breast cancer awareness month, and although admittedly a little late, I am turning my blog pink!

Breast cancer is something I am personally familiar with, my grandmother had breast cancer, my great aunt had breast cancer. They were both survivors of breast cancer, and showed me the importance that awareness, medical advancement and regular check-ups have to the lives of all women. (and men for that matter - wouldn't be that much fun without women, now would it?)

So girls, remember to do your monthly breast checks, even if they are annoying and painful. They are vital! And if you are eligible for mammograms - go have it done! We're all grateful!

Morning happiness

Oh, it was a sweet, sweet morning. My love woke me up with hot, wonderful banana muffins, ice-cold chocolate milk and a chocolate on the side.

I am not a morning girl. As those who know me in Real Life can testify - I can be (read: tend to be) a grumpy, unlikable beast with very messy hair in the morning. But who can resist the sweetness of such a wake up call?

His face looming over mine with the biggest grin saying proudly: "See what I baked for you!" And then he added: "And there is chocolate too!"

It was delicious, and happiness has enveloped my morning so far. I came out into the kitchen. We sat and shared the happiness and the muffins. T had his hot coffee, I had my ice-cold chocolate milk. And the muffins were gobbled up.

His and hers all gone!

Sweet new year

Rosh Hashana has been amazing - the house has been filled with people, food, love and happiness.

And sweet smelling flowers

these from the love of my life

these from mamma and pappa

homebaked challot,

and now sweet leftovers for lunch. Yum!

Happy sweet year, everyone!