Christmas in Ramadi, Iraq.
It almost seems unreal. Like I should not be here, but I am.I have been here since the July 4th, so maybe the feeling is just what it is a feeling.
We made the most of it. Laughing, drinking hot tea last night, Christmas Eve mass. This morning we had treats and a grande Vanilla Latte. I handed out a few gifts and many well wishes. My heart pains a bit when I think about the idea of my new sweet nephew lying in a manger. But it is pure sweetness. I had delicious mashed potatoes, homemade macaroni and cheese, and at last eggnog. First glass of the year and it was tasty. I love you guys.

been listening to Christmas music, but it feels nothing like Christmas here.
It is only 9 days till Christmas and I have not bought much.
My daughter will cover the ground soon.
I signed up for two classes in January and I pretty excited.
The support has been great for our unit and we are all very lucky.
I believe I have met some life long friends.
I celebrated mom's birthday in my own way yesterday with a salute Caffe Latte.
No eggnog here... Does eggnog freeze?
Maybe I should have the daughter freeze a quart for me.
My fried Mary sent me Russian tea cakes. I shared most of them but froze a few for safe keeping.

enjoy, I will post soon

read

Just finished reading this book -
VERY well written.
I had not read anything else by Thrity Umrigar
The Space Between Us...
If you have time, pick it up.
There is a letter that the husband writes the main character Bhima and it is amazingly real to me. enjoyed it very much.

lit palm and my small nativity - I am lucky

Two more weeks have gone by.
The time moves along fast here.
I am keeping busy and that helps.
I try to stay focused on the things I want to while I am here and try not to let the daily distractions get me down. They get me once while, but yoga, bakalava and a few laughs put things in perspective.
HIGHLIGHT of the last two weeks:

Several...
But Fresh blueberries is right up there. Raspberries too... only a handful of each.. but very good.
I tried a few new Iraqi things and I have to say I really love the food that I eat.
I tried an amazing sweet treat samesemma... basically sesame seeds prepared amazingly.
Bakalva too..

Chelsea is very short at AIT and will be home soon.

As families gather together it makes me smile. Enjoy this Christmas.

love ya