Waiting to Meet Our Children

After a good night's sleep on our 12-hour train ride east, we arrived at our destination about 9 a.m.



Waiting for the train to come to a stop



A train-station sign proudly proclaims the town's name

Mr. Beaver balancing luggage near the door of the apartment building
in which we're staying. Behind him is a common sight in Russia--
an older woman using a whisk broom to keep the outdoors tidy.
The broorms are not full length; they require constant stooping.

Once we got settled in the bedroom in which we're staying,

we were treated to an incredibly delicious breakfast of "cheesecakes,"

cheese sausage and bread.

Our hostess, Luda, is oh-so accomadating and gracious. She speaks enough English for us to be able to get along well.

I'm going to sign off now so that we can Skype our kids back home. Meanwhile we're awaiting the arrival of our new threesome...