Posted by Kanga.
This is the plastic grocery bag from an Indian store in an Arab country. Christmas isn’t overbearing, flashing everywhere, blaring from speakers, and assaulting us from every media source, but it is nice that no one objects to “Merry Christmas.” No war on Christmas here.
[And, yes, that is Oliver sitting on the bag because, just by spreading that bag out, clearly I was making an invitation for him to sit on it.]
Posted by Kanga.
December is here and the weather is beautiful. Here’s what the weather stats are like.
It is Christmas at the malls. Every year the decorations are new. I wonder where the old ones go.
Nice, subtle decorations.
With the “cold” weather comes the winter wear. These are not just meant for wearing in Ski Dubai. People wear them outdoors.
I took the picture below just for the little, understated number in the middle.
Once again it seems that the manikins have been partying too hard.
Posted by Kanga.
Not culturally sensitive, to say the least.
Didn’t we get over this fashion statement back in the 1980’s? Plaid shirt and down vest? Really?
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, these are unlined rain coats being sold in an arid desert country. When it rains here, and it does, you don’t go out for a stroll. It rains hard and there is thunder and lightening. People have been struck dead while walking in the rain.
This just amazes. It is a dish scrub sponge shaped like Diana Ross with the sponge serving as her afro hairdo.
Posted by Kanga.
I am spending a few days back in my home town. While browsing a local craft fair at the Baptist Church, I was introduced to a friend of a family member. This person had recently seen a TV program on the wonders of Dubai and asked me to tell one story about Dubai. Just one story. My mind blanked. The pressure was on. Just one story. Since it was December 1st, the eve of National Day, I described how they celebrate the nation’s birth 41 years ago. Of course, later I thought of even better stories.
So, readers who are in the UAE, I invite you to comment here and tell us your ONE United Arab Emirates story. How would you represent your experience to the average American?
Posted by Kanga.
Stray Cat’s stay with us came to an end on Tuesday. She has gone to a new home where she will be settling in with Griffin, another tabby. She will be greatly loved.
We will miss her because she was the second best cat we have ever had, second only to Saint Earl.
Oliver and Bert have relaxed. It was amazing just how quickly Bert figured out that Stray Cat was gone. He was quickly on our laps, making up for lost time and getting love and affection. The “boys” have forgiven us and gotten back to life as usual.
Posted by Kanga.
Even though Life is throwing us a few challenges, we still have to eat. We had previously seen this restaurant in the new Fujairah City Center Mall, but had just eaten at the time, so promised we would come back sometime. What’s the attraction? All day breakfast.
DaddyBird took advantage of the all day breakfast to have a steak and egg meal.
He supplemented this with mashed potatoes and gravy. The potatoes were real, not powdered (instant).
Quite tasty.
We felt quite at home, like being in a Portland, Oregon restaurant. Nice decor, good coffee and tea, and good variety on the menu.
Posted by Kanga.
On Sunday afternoon, my mother, Marian, ended her 88 year journey through life.
Finding a Mother’s Day card was always a challenge, because she was not the kind, sweet, supportive, and unconditionally loving mother that inspires greeting card sayings. She did, however, teach me many things for which I am grateful.
My mother worked hard. She was almost always in motion. When I was young, we lived on a small family farm and there were few tasks she wasn’t willing and able to do. She planted, tended, and harvested a sizable garden. She spent days canning the extra for the winter months. We were able to eat home grown vegetables and fruits all year round. She milked the cows morning and night when necessary. She even bucked a few bales of hay during summer harvesting time. She baked her own bread eight loaves at a time, kneading the large blob of dough by hand. She churned butter by hand. When she had a few spare moments, she would create clothing, blankets, and slippers. My mother taught me about industriousness.
She wasn’t a feminist, but from watching her in action I learned that women are equal to men. She wasn’t dependent on my father. She worked right along side him, just as hard as he did, contributing to the welfare of the family unit.
My mother made it possible for me to become independent. She was not a “helicopter” mother, nor a “tiger mom.” I learned that decisions worked best when I made them for myself. The consequences are mine, as well.
Mom taught me that laughter can get you through the rough times. She taught me that “pretty is as pretty does,” a maxim I still find reliable. Another gem she passed along – if you are doing something, do it well.
Mom, you have my love and thanks.
Posted by Kanga.
The third treatment for Stray Cat’s eye infection was done yesterday. Her eyes had cleared up enough that the vet could see that she has a scratch on her right cornea. That will heal, but only with time. So, we’ll go back to the vet for a follow up in a week or two, unless we find a permanent home for her before then.
Here is my continuing sales pitch: She is a patient and mild mannered kitten. She rides well in a cat carrier in the car. She purrs and wags her tail when she is happy. She likes to be petted and to curl up on your lap. She “talks,” but not incessantly and only when she has something to say. If you give her something yummy, she says “thank you.”
Posted by Kanga.
This Taza Restaurant billboard is just across the street from our apartment.
This guy caught our eye.
He looks a bit like Fred Armisen in a Saturday Night Live skit. He’s really enjoying that bowl of rice.
Living the Travel Channel 