Odessa In Winter

At the end of January our travel ban to Ukraine was lifted.  We went to Odessa to celebrate.  All these photos were taken on a chilly and windy February day.  No snow, though, and it was still warmer than Chisinau.

The flowers below Richelieu are a tribute to the fallen in the war.  They've moved the memorial now, but I think it was fitting to have it there.

Seaside Present

This tableau is going to the US with us to be sent to someone who loves the water....

Almost July-ed

The flowers are almost done - just the bottom and the edge to go.  It's going to be done just in the nick of time.

Fortress Soroca

I think it's good that the people of Soroca honor their war dead from the Transnistrian conflict after independence.  They have made a little park on the main drag near the fortress.  These photos are from just over a year ago.  The fortress is now open and has none of the construction debris around it.

Cold Weather Bling

 These photos are from last Christmas.  It was very cold the night we took them, but it was clear and beautiful.  Most of Chisinau's lights are donated from Romania.  That's part of the reason for the mishmash.  It was gorgeous to walk through and see, though.

 

 

From None To Three

 
Yes, I only have two passports, but I now have three leather passport covers.  These two are so pretty I couldn't resist.  Maybe I'm starting a collection?  Is this a new fashion statement I'm making?  Passport covers to match purses?

Feeling The Progress

I am finally beginning to feel like there's real progress on this piece.  It's to the point where I can see most of the top gargoyles and will be working on their tails soon.  It could just be that I was in a better mood when last I worked on it.