2008-10(Oct)-01 John Bday

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Hi everyone, we celebrated John's 60th birthday Saturday, which was the height of our week. I sent an invitation by email to the office distribution and the office 'manager' went around to all the translators and explained what "Shhhh, it is a surprise!" meant. We had about 30 to come. I fixed three big pots of soup; a few other wives brought food and we were very glad a few translators brought authentic Russian salads. I even baked my first real caramel cake, John's favorite. It actually turned out pretty well. And YES Jane, I did make traditional, cooked caramel icing. There is no powdered sugar in Russia. But it did take all day, because I only have one cake pan (I baked three layers) and had to make two batches of icing. My arm was sore after all the beating by hand!

The party was not actually a surprise, because one of the people invited apparently did not get the explanation about the surprise and he left for his holiday in Spain Saturday. So he apologized to John for missing the party. He is Polish and like most eastern Europeans, takes social invitations very seriously. By the way, everyone here takes wonderful vacations - even the least paid people save up for trips all over Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The translators, who are mostly in their twenties, have been to far more places than have I.

Back to the party, John was a sport, never letting on that he knew. I did wonder why the honey do list was tackled without comment, however. For his birthday present, our kids sent him a 'video' to music of current pictures (remember we now have four kids and a dog - Clare's Scout) which he enjoyed. The celebration was at our apartment; the young people you see in the pictures are the translators; the older folks are management. Only one translator was brave enough to bring their spouse/significant other. Although many Russians speak a bit of English, they are rather intimidated by Americans, and are embarrassed that their English is not perfect. I think that is true for many aspects of their behavior. I guess in their culture, especially in Soviet times, you did what you were supposed to do perfectly, no more and no less. So speaking in broken English implies you haven't mastered a task. This is contrast to Americans who take risks more freely. Thus I think we should really respect Russians who come to the US - takes alot of courage for someone unaccustomed for doing something out of the ordinary! Russian lives have changed so much in the past 12-15 years. It is like going from the 1940s to the 2000s in ten years. At least in this big city, they seem to be adjusting very well to all the changes.

From the pictures, you can see the ladies really don't dress that differently than we do - I would call their outfits a little 'funky', definately more flashy than Americans in general. But of course they are much younger than we are. At the office, they have meetings to discuss clothing choices - especially in the summer they dress in a more revealling manner than we would consider acceptible. Shoes for women are very important - there are shoe stores everywhere and most women wear high heels, even when walking in the street. And remember most people do not have cars so they walk, take the bus or ride the train everywhere. Shoes are removed upon enterring a home. The streets are dirty (especially here since everything is under construction it seems) and there is so much rain and snow. That is why you see people in sock feet in the pictures. Hey kids, mom needs socks for Christmas!

Thank you to everyone who sent John a birthday card! Michael forwarded all the cards sent to Sylacauga, and we have received many here in St. Pete. I have emailed each person as the cards arrived - there seems to be no explanation for how they are coming. Today we received one sent on 9-2; we got one over a week ago that was postmarked the same day. So I expect more will be coming - Rachel's isn't here yet and she mailed hers fairly early. If you sent a card to St. Pete and haven't heard from me that it was received, please let me know. I'd like to see what percentage of cards made it!

The last three pictures were taken Monday at a luncheon for a club I have joined - International Women's Club - 200 members in St, Petersburg. More about that another time.

And finally, question of the week! Do they have pizza?
We get pizza almost every Thursday or Friday night. It is thin crust and it has some different toppings but at Robertinos', it is very good. I have seen several Pizza Huts and there is actually a Papa Johns on our street, but friends say it is not as good as Robertino's
We are going there now!
Love, Terri