Hi Everyone --

Only 2 1/2 weeks until Egypt!

Doug had Monday off work for Muslim Eid, so he went to the market with me that day. He had been to the market and grocery store before, but not on grocery shopping day. Because it was Eid, all the Muslims were dressed up and greeting each other and very happy. It's the last day of their fasting for Ramadan. It was fun to see them all in their finery. We saw a bullock pulling a bullock cart of ice blocks for the fish market and all dressed up too. I had Doug run back and get a picture. The driver put his hand out for 10 rupees, but Doug just pretended he didn't know what he was asking for.

Hannah and I have made an effort to get out every day that we have the car. We got out four days this week. We don't have to do a lot, just a small errand and then lunch. We usually go to malls and safe places, rather than the streets and markets. We went to a furniture exhibition on Thursday. It was supposed to open at 10:30 on Thursday, and we got there at 11 a.m., but the vendors were still unpacking, unwrapping, unloading, and setting up their booths. They let us in without the 10 rupee entrance fee.

It's starting to get hot again. Monsoon is nearly over. We had thunderstorms in the evenings this week, but no daytime rain. The reservoirs are 80% full.

We had 3 at church again today. It's good to know it's at least us!

I was asked by Shiney to go with her and her little Sumya to go to grandparents day at the pre-school. I was happy to do that. We put on our fancy clothes and listened to the little ones sing English songs -- Twinkle, Twinkle and others. They gave out prizes for the most "traditionally" dressed grandma, the grandma with the most bangles, the grandma with anklets, the grandpa with a picture of his wife in his wallet (didn't exist), a picture of the grandkids in his wallet (didn't exist), and the grandpa with the most white hair. We had snacks -- crisps (potato chips), orange punch (Tang), juleebee (Indian sweet), and a little spongy cake with vegetable soup dipping sauce. Very common snack foods here. The pictures are of the kids all dressed up. They are very cute!

The monkey came visiting our "garden" again. He was sitting on the fence, then came down on our driveway to drink out of the puddle of water there. He ran off pretty quick when he saw us watching out the window.

Have a great week!
Love, Lucinda