My friend and colleague, NVCC-Loudoun Horticulture Professor Bruce Nash, died yesterday. A brilliant and inspiring teacher, he was one of kindest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing---just a wonderful fellow. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I feel crushed, almost unbearably sad and will miss you terribly sir.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sunday 2/16
Yesterday I went swimming again at the Agrarian University Bacin(swimming pool). I tried to get in before our official 1pm start time and was promptly reprimanded by the universally smug teenage pool boy---he was very annoyed that he had to take off his ear buds to deal with me. I then sat on the bench until the prior group exited the pool. Got a pretty good swim in, good exercise for me as I am not doing any bike riding here in Russia. I was able to go through all the proper steps this time and hopefully will do everything perfectly next Saturday.
Earlier this week, Natalia had extended an invitation for all of in the international office to join her in her home for a USA vs Russia hockey game. I was excited. Secretly I sort of hoped that the Russian team would do well. Russians love their hockey and take this very seriously.
Anton, Masha's friend, drove all of us, Masha, Valentina, and I to Dr. Bobarykina's family apartment in a suburb of Saratov.It was nice big new apartment, very warm and beautiful, with lovely views form all windows. We were to have a nice meal, be entertained by the talented Kcyusha(Natalia's daughter)on the piano, and then planned to watch a Russian victory. This was a preliminary round game so not terribly important, but nevertheless it had an aura of a superpower clash.
The food was incredible, my first real Russian feast. Pickled mushrooms, pickles(grown and brined by Valentina's mother), several different kinds of pickled cabbage, pickled herring, smoked fish, a wonderful meat pie, delicious meat dumplings(handmade right in front of me!), lots of fresh fruit, a handmade salsa and chips, sour cream, and bread. I wish I could give you all the Russian names for these things but I was enjoying eating too much to pay attention. The spread beat most of the Superbowl parties I have ever been to.....I thought quite healthy.
I had a few beers and celebratory vodka toasts as I would not be driving and had a wonderful time.
Natalia's husband Dmitri was a really nice guy and we got along very well. I am wearing one of his coats here in Saratov and I very much appreciate his kindness and hospitality. We both had a great time watching the hockey---just like I would with my friends watching a game at home in the US.
So, I stuffed myself for a couple of hours and then it was time for Kcyusha's recital. She is such a talented girl. She played a combination of short classical pieces and popular tunes--all perfectly. There was even a rendition of "jingle bells"! Afterwards she played a couple of her own compositions which were wonderful. Kcyusha also hand made invitations for all of us, plus made us all little flags to wave during the game. I had my own stars and stripes---I of course tried not to be too obnoxious with the flag waving. She is very creative---my own mother would love her---I have a feeling I might someday see her on television.
The game itself was awesome. Good defense. Both teams a little chippy and punchy. Very physical---just the way it should be. Scoreless for most of the first period. The Russians are like thoroughbred horses, fast, strong, physical. The Americans kept right with them, playing very good defense. The goalies both played very well. My hometown Capitals star Ovechkin had what looked like the winning goal taken off the board after a review near the end of the game----and so it was tied at the end of regulation 2-2. A scoreless overtime period followed. Then what is called a shootout---a series of exciting one on one duels with an offensive player taking on the goalie. Miraculously and a little strangely for me, the US won.....I thought quite unexpectedly. Vladimir Putin did not look happy.
Natalia's family took this all in stride, treated me very kindly anyway. I felt very torn---Russia is my home for the next few months and they play so beautifully---part of me wishes for them to be successful. This is not the medal round so things could still go very well for them. I was also proud of how the American team performed. It was a good tough exciting hockey game. You can't ask for more.
I made it home by 9pm thanks to the very kind Anton and Masha who dropped me at my door and went to bed pretty quickly---that much food with a little vodka and beer helped me fall asleep almost immediately.
Thank you to all my new Russian friends for a wonderful evening! Pictures to follow.
Earlier this week, Natalia had extended an invitation for all of in the international office to join her in her home for a USA vs Russia hockey game. I was excited. Secretly I sort of hoped that the Russian team would do well. Russians love their hockey and take this very seriously.
Anton, Masha's friend, drove all of us, Masha, Valentina, and I to Dr. Bobarykina's family apartment in a suburb of Saratov.It was nice big new apartment, very warm and beautiful, with lovely views form all windows. We were to have a nice meal, be entertained by the talented Kcyusha(Natalia's daughter)on the piano, and then planned to watch a Russian victory. This was a preliminary round game so not terribly important, but nevertheless it had an aura of a superpower clash.
The food was incredible, my first real Russian feast. Pickled mushrooms, pickles(grown and brined by Valentina's mother), several different kinds of pickled cabbage, pickled herring, smoked fish, a wonderful meat pie, delicious meat dumplings(handmade right in front of me!), lots of fresh fruit, a handmade salsa and chips, sour cream, and bread. I wish I could give you all the Russian names for these things but I was enjoying eating too much to pay attention. The spread beat most of the Superbowl parties I have ever been to.....I thought quite healthy.
I had a few beers and celebratory vodka toasts as I would not be driving and had a wonderful time.
Natalia's husband Dmitri was a really nice guy and we got along very well. I am wearing one of his coats here in Saratov and I very much appreciate his kindness and hospitality. We both had a great time watching the hockey---just like I would with my friends watching a game at home in the US.
So, I stuffed myself for a couple of hours and then it was time for Kcyusha's recital. She is such a talented girl. She played a combination of short classical pieces and popular tunes--all perfectly. There was even a rendition of "jingle bells"! Afterwards she played a couple of her own compositions which were wonderful. Kcyusha also hand made invitations for all of us, plus made us all little flags to wave during the game. I had my own stars and stripes---I of course tried not to be too obnoxious with the flag waving. She is very creative---my own mother would love her---I have a feeling I might someday see her on television.
The game itself was awesome. Good defense. Both teams a little chippy and punchy. Very physical---just the way it should be. Scoreless for most of the first period. The Russians are like thoroughbred horses, fast, strong, physical. The Americans kept right with them, playing very good defense. The goalies both played very well. My hometown Capitals star Ovechkin had what looked like the winning goal taken off the board after a review near the end of the game----and so it was tied at the end of regulation 2-2. A scoreless overtime period followed. Then what is called a shootout---a series of exciting one on one duels with an offensive player taking on the goalie. Miraculously and a little strangely for me, the US won.....I thought quite unexpectedly. Vladimir Putin did not look happy.
Natalia's family took this all in stride, treated me very kindly anyway. I felt very torn---Russia is my home for the next few months and they play so beautifully---part of me wishes for them to be successful. This is not the medal round so things could still go very well for them. I was also proud of how the American team performed. It was a good tough exciting hockey game. You can't ask for more.
I made it home by 9pm thanks to the very kind Anton and Masha who dropped me at my door and went to bed pretty quickly---that much food with a little vodka and beer helped me fall asleep almost immediately.
Thank you to all my new Russian friends for a wonderful evening! Pictures to follow.
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