Izmir,Turkey

Izmir is Turkey's 3rd largest city with a population of over 3 million. We went on an excursion to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. This was the highlight of our cruise

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Part of Hadrians Temple reminded us of the expanse of the Roman Empire since we lived close to Hadrian's Wall while living in Northern England.

Celsus Library was impressive in its size and how well it is preserved.

Standing in front of the 25,000 seat theater in Ephesus. This is the theater Paul's travel companions were taken during the Riot of Ephesus.

The house of Mary, mother of Jesus, in the hills above Ephesus. Pat is writing a prayer to put on the Prayer Wall seen beside her.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is considered one of the most famous and fascinating cities in the world. We didn't know you could see so much in one day: Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace (home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years), the Mosque of Hagia Sopia , the Sunken Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

Standing in front of the Grand Bazaar, which claims to have over 4000 shops
Beneath Istanbul lie hundreds of cisterns,left from the days when the city was called Constantinople. The grandest one is called the Sunken Palace because of it's size: 336 marble columns and capable of holding 21 million gallons.

Pat Standing in the Blue Mosque

Isaiah standing in the upper terrace with fountain, İftar bower and Baghdad Kiosk

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The walls are the main characteristic of Dubrovnik, they surrounded the whole city which was built in the 14 century. The wall is 75 feet high and over 6,ooo ft and completely walkable.

The cruise ship has to deep of a draft so we tendered in on small ferries.

Terry and Isaiah walked along the walls that encircled the old city, here they stop to admire the breathtaking view.

A quite picturesque back street of Dubrovnik

Venice, Italy

Venice is considered the city of art, romance and prestige. This beautiful architecture was built on 150 islands separated by canals.

The Grand Canal being the main waterway which offered the most beautiful view of the city. This is the entrance to St. Mark's square.

Looking at one of the 400 bridges over a canal entering Venice.

One of the many beautiful churches seen as we past Venice in the cruise ship.

Terry and Isaiah window shopping again!

Moscow

After our 7 day cruise, Isaiah stayed 3 more days in Moscow. Eventhough we returned back to work, we were able to show him around Moscow.

In front of St. Basil Church in Red Square.

One of the many very detailed iconoclastic chapels inside St. Basil.

Outside the Kremlin.

Isaiah putting back the 12 ton piece that fell off. No Problem!!

It had been 1 1/2 years since we had seen Isaiah, so this trip was more than just a trip. We spent some good quality time with each other. He headed to Seoul, Korea and caught
a train back to Camp Walker in Teagu, Korea

Web Cookies

Technology, you gotta love it! Sometimes it's the only way to stay connected with our grandchildren. With the help from Melissa; Avery and Grandma make cookies together, becoming a labor of love.

For Labor day, Avery and Grandma make cookies together.

Tasting time

Showing off the end results.

Mary Ann Rose made cookies with her grandaughter and I copied her, so thank you Mary Ann for the great idea.

Out and About in Moscow

Anna Stockburger from our Washington PAE office came to Moscow. Anna stayed in three different locations, to get a feel of what it is like to live and work here. While staying with us, we enjoyed the Old Circus and Swan Lake Ballet.

Pat was interviewed for a televison program while we were waiting for the ballet to start. The announcer asked which Russian ballet dancer she had seen before and she said Nureyev. He gave her a quizzical look and then Pat realized Nureyev probably stopped dancing before this young man was born. Oh well!!!

The Kremlin Hospital became a regular site for us.
After 10+ blood tests; x-rays of hands, knees, and ankles; MRI of her left knee; her left knee aspirated 2x's; and the knee injected with a steroid; it was determined that she has a progressive rheumatoid arthritis. She is on medication: a noninflammatory pill taken everyday and chemo medication once a week to stop the progression of the bone loss from the arthritis. Pat is out of pain and able to walk without a cane. We are very happy and we want to thank those who have prayed and supported us through our challenges.

Happy 4th of July!

Here at the Embassy , we had a picnic outside on the greens where we also met our new Ambassador.
On July 3 Ambassador Beyrle assumed charge as U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation. Later that day the Ambassador hosted the U.S. Embassy’s Independence Day celebration at Spaso House.

Guess who turned 60?

Yep, Terry turned 60 on July 27th. We celebrated his day with a quiet dinner, cake and some friends, John and Janice.


Pat's gift to Terry was to turn a small closet into His workshop. So Terry can now create, invent, discover and play.

Novodevichy Cemetery

The most famous Russian Cemetery, the final resting place for many aristocrats, military, political dignitaries, composers, authors and leading cultural figures. The soviet authorities made the decision on who would be allowed to be buried at this cemetery, originally built 1524. (presently 2700 graves). Take a look at some of the tombs, they're quite impressive.

Another Party?

The complex where we used to live, Rosinka, had their annual Birthday Bash.

Can you hear me now?

Terry petting a porcupine

Janice, a lady Pat works with by the fountain

We're looking for a weekend to relax.