Our last official day of visitation! It has been a beautiful day, sunny and warm. We headed to the village armed with our outdoor toys and an arsenal of candy for the anticipated crowd. Upon arrival we discovered a very melancholy Sholpan who had just returned from bathing. Her caretaker informed us there would be no playing outdoors with wet hair! Plan B, do some artwork and have a snack. It became more and more obvious that Sholpan felt miserable. She curled up in a chair and tried to rest. When I felt her head and neck she was burning up. Again we questioned the caretaker if the doctor was aware that she was ill. It appears that the regular doctor has been away and a substitute has been giving her medicine. We had to stay late to talk with the director, which of course led to “tea”. When we finally headed back to town it was discovered that the director had neglected to send an important document with us. Back we went. Turns out she forgot to draft said document! Tomorrow morning she promises. Meanwhile, the doctor has returned and checked on Sholpan. He is sending her to the hospital. We will find out tomorrow morning if she will be returned to the orphanage or kept in the hospital. Svetlana will arrive in the morning to sort out the paperwork and take it to the judge and hopefully, get a court date. The visit was not without bright spots. We asked Zarina why it is that she always magically appears as soon as we arrive without having to be called for. She smiles and says “I can just feel it when you are near me”.
John, the flower lady and the squirrel nut vendor apparently retired shortly after your stay here. Actually, there are no more street vendors. You have to go into the markets for everything now. Rumor has it that the men in big hats put the brakes on street sales. Even the monkey photo man is no more. Valentina thinks that maybe this summer some of the activity may return. For now, no more evenings searching every street corner for the perfect ice cream bar. No more flowers for the hotel lady. Sometimes change is not a good thing!
So, the vendors were able to buy dachas and retire because of the money I spent there. Good for them! Once the bigger markets started springing up, you knew their days were numbered. Still, it was nice to be able to step outside and buy a pack of Stalin smokes, some flowers for the ladies in your life, and radishes.
ReplyDeleteI think I caught Sholpan's cold from your blog. And the kiddies look great in shades. Tammy puts on a pair whenever she is "over-beveraged."
Oh - never one to throw a book away, when I saw Sholpan reading I remembered I have a couple Russian children's books that Bill Bowman gave me. Beth and Aaron might remember Bill as the guy who had the midnight movie show and came up out of a coffin. I never saw the program just heard about it. Anyway I'll look for those books if I have them they are in the office.
ReplyDeleteWhen oh when is that dear child going to put on another outfit! I hope her hospital stay is not too long and Sholpan will soon be feeling a heap better.
Are we going to see pictures of the latest fashions of the French like ladies?
Well, I'm sorry to hear Sholpan's so sick. I hope she makes a superfast recovery so you guys can get her to court and get her to the States where Keith can just write her a prescription.
ReplyDeleteThat's great news that Squirrel Nuts can't be sold on the street anymore. That clears the market for us. The bad news is that I did a copyright search and "Squirrel Nuts" is taken. I have reserved "Tasty Testes" though. Kinda rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?
I'll have to take your word for it, Aaron . . . .
ReplyDeleteMissed a couple of days because of no wireless at the campsite in LA. Got this tonight at Kiva's house. Wedding is Saturday and she and Ryan are just this side of nuts. I worry about miss sholpan, and hope that she recovers quickly. Let's just hope that what she has is not contagious and the other two can escape a visit to the hospital. Dr. Thompson, heal thy daughter! Love y'all. t & pt
ReplyDeleteYea, we can access your blog now! Glad to hear that the visiting is done and you can get the court date soon. We certainly hope Sholpan feels better quickly. She looks miserable in the pictures. We're so excited to finally be able to catch up!
ReplyDelete