I appreciate the things you said. Lilo, I know you have the European perspective necessary to understand what it might be like for modern Ukrainians; thank you for seeing their pride. Blueheron, good for you for reading Bloodlands -- I'm impressed by your commitment to understanding history. Don, that's a great aphorism! "The Ukraine" no longer -- Ukraine, now a sovereign country, has dropped the article that referenced it as a province or possession of another country. I wanted to share this quote from a Ukrainian music website. The commentator at this site always has interesting things to say, and there is also a certain intriguing space between his Ukrainian and English language abilities that prompts thoughtful imagination on the part of the English reader. "This summer, the modern Ukraine turns 21 years old - so, anyway, it has finally come of age. In other words - it is time to be accountable for one's actions without hiding behind reputable backs of older friends. Just because everyone in this world is living his/her own life - and it is far not those who offer advice that live and act according to this advice. Thus - it is not them who learn the hard way...But us. As a result, we learn from our own mistakes - well, that's how it is. The main thing is to learn. Not for the sake of the world with which we need to catch up - but for the sake of the world that we need to discover. In ourselves - and around. But there is another option as well: it turns out very simple - to step into the same river twice. One just needs to block the flow... The choice is ours. Because each of us is living his/her own life. Even if he/she chooses not to choose."

Hi Anj, I just stayed at home for the Fourth. My hubby plays golf and I managed to get about 4 sets of the spoons completed. We need rain desperately. My water bill is going to be high this month - we either get too much or not enough. My GD came over today. And, of course, the first thing they wanted to do was paint. The little one who is three got paint on the desk (not a problem because sometimes I use the desk top to double load a brush - it wipes off with alcohol) but I made an area for her because she likes painting all over the place. I am attaching a pic of her and her sister painting their projects. Notice how she uses one finger to hold the wood piece in place. Can't wait to see what you have been doing. OOps, can't post pic here, will do on the other side.

Eleni by Nicholas Gage and Cavafy's wise poem ITHAKA - my contributions Despite being involved in a terrible tragedy there - I remember my days lived in Greece with some sweet longing As you set out for Ithaka hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery. Laistrygonians, Cyclops, angry Poseidon - don't be afraid of them: you'll never find things like that one on your way as long as you keep your thoughts raised high, as long as a rare excitement stirs your spirit and your body. Laistrygonians, Cyclops, wild Poseidon - you won't encounter them unless you bring them along inside your soul, unless your soul sets them up in front of you. Hope your road is a long one. May there be many summer mornings when, with what pleasure, what joy, you enter harbours you're seeing for the first time; may you stop at Phoenician trading stations to buy fine things, mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony, sensual perfumes of every kind - as many sensual perfumes as you can; and may you visit many Egyptian cities to learn and go on learning from their scholars. Keep Ithaka always in your mind. Arriving there is what you're destined for. But don't hurry the journey at all. Better if it lasts for years, so you're old by the time you reach the island, wealthy with all you've gained on the way, not expecting Ithaka to make you rich. Ithaka gave you the marvellous journey. Without her you wouldn't have set out. She has nothing left to give you now. And if you find her poor, Ithaka won't have fooled you. Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, you'll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean Constantine P. Cavafy

Those individual serving do look delish! Wish I had so much ambition! I spent the early evening at the grocery store picking up some items that I had expiring coupons for, and ingredients to make a pie (apple/raisin spice) for work potluck today. Made the pie, had a glass of prosecco and some spekulaas and was in bed by 10:30 for my 5:30 am wake-up. I didn't hear any of the usual neighborhood hullabaloo at midnight. But, the staffing needs were low this morning and I had the most seniority so I got to stay home on call. I did a little cleaning, realized later that I had forgotten to turn on the Rose Parade, and spent the rest of the day reading, drinking tea and eating the pie.