Slow

If there's water, we need to throw in a stone

 

Not much going on this week in the country, everyone seems to be getting ready for the holidays. I work with a number of foreigners who seem to be a little confused over the enthusiasm with which everyone here embraces Christmas, regardless of their religion. Back home (in the States, that is), the display of a Christmas tree in public schools and other places seems to become a bit of an issue as it seen as inconsiderate towards the other religions. A bit like the controversy over Zwarte Piet in Holland.

Nahr Ibrahim

 

The Lebanese are having none of that. If it involves a party, then it needs to be celebrated. At least that seems to be the overall feeling in my part of town.

As such, the country seems to be at a standstill; not much is happening. I cherish the slow days. It is on slow days that I realize that I actually have a house that needs maintaining. Paintings that need to be hung (after standing against the wall for some 2 years), light bulbs that need to be replaced (for some 4 months already!), boxes that have been unopened for some 12 years now (?) so maybe it is time to throw them out without opening them, clothes I haven’t worn for 8 years but still hanging in my closets; I think I need to throw some things out.

But what do I do on a slow day? I take the kids out into the woods with my SIL. We drove down to Nahr Ibrahim, unloaded the kids, and hung out a bit. It was cold, but nice fresh. Didn’t help my house maintenance much, but it sure cleared the air. Maybe when I will retire, I get around doing all that.

 

And when I finally have everyone together, looking at the camera and being halfway cooperative (as opposed to pulling iditotic faces), it turns out I've got a vine hanging in front of my camera! Of course you do not find out until you upload them. So here's a family portrait with vine :)