Surfing The Sand

This is now in the rotation, so progress should come pretty quickly.  I did just a little bit before the photo, though; didn't even complete a length of thread.

Half A Valley

I have just about half of the lily of the valley done.  It looks like I might stay on schedule and have it complete by the end of the month.

Serene "Martyrs"

This set of graves is of those killed bringing the Soviet way to Moldova after World War II.  There are dates through about 1948 in the area.  It's peaceful and there's a bell for contemplation.  I don't know much of the history of this particular time period in Chisinau, so I don't know how violent or often the confrontations were.

Inside The Arch

I'm getting far enough down now to put stitches inside the arch.  Progress!  Yay!

Soviet Monuments

These red slabs represent the different years of World War II.  They are very blocky, very direct, and somewhat ugly.  In other words, they're very Soviet and have been in this park around the Eternitate memorial since its inception.  The graves below them, rimming the walkway, are of local men who fell during the battle.  Now, what is interesting is that Moldova was -not- part of the Soviet Union before World War II.  It wasn't part of the Soviet Union during World War II, either.  The Soviets took it from Romania after the end of the war, as part of their winnings.  Another strange bit of Moldovan history on display.

Cherry Blossomed

I finished my Luca-S cherry blossom design.  It came out well, and I am going to get it framed to give to my mother.

Last Of The Change

This is the last bit of the change ceremony as the guards get in place.