What does Spring make you think of?

On March 1st everyone got all excited because spring “came!” And surprisingly it did seem to warm up! It's been around 20-30 degrees as of late and I have REALLY enjoyed the sunshine and not wearing long-underwear!!! The birds have been singing and I, too joined in in rejoicing that spring was here!

Then last Friday night at the church's young adult fellowship meeting, the lesson's lead-in-question was “What is the first thing you think of when you think of spring?” I was very surprised at the answers as we went around the room – at least half of the people answered: dirty snow, muddy streets and paths or getting splashed as cars drove by. Still, some talked about the fresh smell in the air and warmer weather and a few more answered skiing and ice skating - not the average US answer to such a question :)

I'm starting to think that living in Siberia is going to change my view of spring. Even though I'm finding what my friends from church said to be VERY true, I am also finding more joy than ever before in the sunshine, longer days, warmer weather, birds' songs, and less layers!

Today is the warmest day yet! (36 F) – Even though it's been snowing all day, it actually reminds me of our Wyoming springs – minus the wind ;)

I found this picture on someone else's blog, I don't even know who this kid is. It was taken somewhere in Novosibirsk - it looks like it could be right around the corner from my apartment building! Underneath the 2-4 feet of snow everywhere are lots of dirt, trash and "evidence" of dogs. Hopefully soon I'll take some "Siberian Spring" pictures of my own (it just doesn't strike me as being picture worthy...)

3 Russian Cars Worth a Picture

There's not too much depth to this blog – just a quick look at Russian culture.

“The Fresh Maker”

I don't know why, but this candy delivery vehicle struck me as funny – with the word “Mentos” written on the side of the car I couldn't resist

“Can you see the mini-coop?”

This car (to the left) is parked outside a neighboring apartment building that I walk by almost every day. As far as I know, it has never left this packing space in the 5+ months that I have lived here. During our heavy winter snows I kept wanting to take a picture of this cute little mini-coop getting covered with snow. On the day of this picture, I decided I better take it before you couldn't tell there was a car there!

“No, they're not Rubber”

I walked out of my way to make sure I caught a picture of this car – but as I took the picture I realized that there was 2 guys sitting inside the car staring at me and decided to be on my way

As I saw and heard of car owners frustrations during the Siberian winter (with almost no one using heated garages) I am thankful for 2 good legs and cheep public transportation!

Coming Soon . . .

This once a month stuff just isn't cutting it with all the things I want to share with you!
My hope is that I will do a better job of regularly posting since I have high speed internet in our apartment. Here's a sneak peek at what's to come:

-Prince Charming has a Mohawk?
-A Happy SAD (Singles' Awareness Day)
-5 days in "Little America" -just a 12 hour train ride away
-I'd like to introduce you to my new best friend, Skype

Babushkas' Russian Remedies

Last Thursday I started to feel a cold coming on – you know, with the scratchy throat, runny nose and frequent sneezing. Not thinking too much about it, I told Baba T. that I had a runny nose and was afraid that I was a little bit sick. I should have known that such an action would be followed by “suggested” remedies. Note: a babushka's “suggestion” is nothing short of a command.

I still remember my second week here when I sneezed in my room and Baba T. brought a little jar of minced garlic to me and told me to sniff it every hour and carry it in my purse.

Baba T. has said on a few occasions now, “I am like your mother” - in the context of her giving me “suggestions” - and I'm sure that my mom is grateful that I have her here to watch over me and take care of me as she is 13 time zones away. So here are the Russian remedies I have had the privilege of trying:

Remedy 1: Swallow a spoon full of freshly minced garlic

Remedy 2: Wash your nostrils with all natural fragrance-free soap every time you sneeze or blow your nose

Remedy 3: Hot herbal drinks with honey and lemon or raspberries

Remedy 4: Gargle one glass of warm water with 1 tsp salt, 1/3 tsp baking soda and some bitter yellow liquid stuff that tastes like pine trees (note: you are NOT allowed to brush your teeth afterward)

Remedy 5: NEVER drink anything cold – all beverages must be at least lukewarm

Remedy 6: 1 tbsp vodka with some added herbs when you get up, before lunch and before you go to bed

“Well, did they work?” - I am almost back to health, but to what it can be attributed to I don't know. But the herbal drinks were pretty good and Remedy 6 (which I like to call Russian Nyquil) made me so tired all I wanted to do was sleep. However, in my opinion, the affects of Remedy 1 are simply not worth ANY positive results . . . I will elaborate no further.

I'll be sure to keep you posted as I learn more Russian remedies from my loving, caring Russian babushka who is truly a blessing to me.