Village Tidbits

The last time we were in the village, Roma spent a fair amount of time cutting up firewood. He really enjoys going to the village and helping out. There is no task too big or too small or even too unpleasant-- he does it all. I on the other hand, tend to be less helpful around the farm. Not by choice, mind you. I am not against big, small or even unpleasant tasks; however, grandma doth protest too much the moment I so much as lift a bucket of water. The only thing I'm really allowed to do is clear the table after a meal and even then, it's like a race with grandma to see who can clear things first.

As I have a lot of time on my hands in the village, I tend to shadow Roma and cheer him on in his endeavors. This last time, while he was cutting up logs, I was sitting on one, breathing in sawdust and occasionally supplying him with cold water. As you can see, he's a man hard at work:



It was as he was hard at work that I got a good look at the chainsaw he was using. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't think I would have bought that same brand of chainsaw. If you ask me, it's a bit...taunting


***
After he finished cutting up firewood, Roma then grabbed a tool and went out back to cut the grass along the property line. I scurried off to help him and the following conversation took place:

Me (grabbing his tool): Honey, here, let me hold that for you.

Roma: OK.

Me (chipper): What are we doing now?

Roma: I want to cut the grass by the road.

Me (elated): Yay! I can help with that because your grandma won't see me. Heehee.

Roma (startled): Honey! What are you doing?! Give me that! What's wrong with you? Don't you know the right way to hold these tools! Like this, like this... so it's not dangerous...

Me (indignant): Well, excuuuuuuuse me, but I didn't grow up using a sickle.

Dinner with Friends (And Blog Fonts that won't Cooperate)

As my last entry ended on a heavy note, I'd like to begin this one with what may be my favorite picture ever taken of my husband. Each time I look at it, it totally makes me laugh. It was taken on the plane, right after we took off from Seattle on our way to Kiev. It is no small secret that I have become somewhat terrified of flying and thus, measures were taken to ensure that I wouldn't spend the whole flight doing deep breathing exercises. Suffice to say, these measures were highly effective. First we were loopy, and then we slept; but not before I got a picture. How funny is that face?


***
This weekend we had dinner with a bunch of friends. Our friend Serioga, who we all refer to by his last name-- Prostoshock -- came into town from Kiev. He's currently working in Kiev building airplanes, which I find a little disconcerting only because I know how much he likes to, uh, puff the magic dragon so to speak.

(With Prostoshock)

Some of you who followed my blog when I was here with the Peace Corps may recognize Prostoshock as the groom from a certain "Summer Shotgun Wedding." Those of you who recognize him may then be interested in knowing that the shotgun marriage lasted all of seven months. I believe he and his young bride divorced just after his son was born. Their split came as no surprise as they bickered incessantly, so much so in fact, that I often questioned if they even liked each other at all. But that's neither here nor there...

(Roma, Prostoshock, Sasha & Alona)

Besides Sasha and Alona, we were joined for dinner by two other couples. One of the couples I have known for a long time. Vova -- who we all refer to by his last name, Kuzya -- and his wife, Natasha, have always been Roma's good friends. Natasha, interestingly enough, is Sasha's second cousin. Kuzya was one of Roma's classmates from school. He is a good guy with a jovial spirit despite a dark backstory. When he was just 10-years-old, his mom was murdered in her village by an escaped convict, which is just crazy. The convict was eventually caught and sentenced to life in prison. Kuzya proved to be a resilient kid. He never used that trauma as an excuse to be angry, or to rebel. He did well in school and now has a good job. He is one of the few men I know here who doesn't smoke or drink to exess, and he's really, very sweet to his wife. I like Kuzya a lot.

(With Kuzya, Natasha & Prostoshock)

The last couple who joined us, Kolya and Yulia, are relatively new friends-- to me at least. Kolya was in Roma's class until the 9th grade when he transferred schools. He and Yulia were a part of the two day reunion extravaganza, which is how I got to know them. When I first me them, I thought to myself: gee, she is really beautiful and he's kinda, well, not. How did that happen? Through the course of the weekend, I saw how funny he was and how much he made her laugh and it all made sense. Kolya is big and he's loud and he's a total clown a la Chris Farley. He's also the son of one of the most prominent developers in Bar so he knows everybody. Yulia used to play basketball with Oksana. She was the only other wife who took part in paintballing when we went a couple weeks ago. I like me a wife who doesn't sit on the sidelines.

(Sasha, Alona, Yulia & Kolya)

***

Yesterday was Constitution Day. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I do know that everyone had the day off. Roma and I were invited to eat shashleek at Sasha's business partner's house. Sasha is currently selling second hand clothes at the bazaar and is in the process of opening his own second hand store. Second hand clothing is all the rage in Bar. Sasha's business partner, Andrey, is helping him remodel the old office he’s turning into his store.

(Roma tending to the meat)

(Roma, with Serigoa *aka Foolia*, Sasha & Andrey's dog, Elza)

(Andrey, far right, playing a board game with Prostoshock)

(Dima escaping the late afternoon rain inside )

***
In grandparent news, my grandmother is thankfully, home from the hospital. Roma's grandpa is slowing recuperating and we are hopeful that this means he won't need an operation. The doctor seems to think that if he continues to make progress, he'll be able to go home this weekend. Little Vernonusia however, has come down with something. She has a rash all over her little body and down her throat. The poor thing is just miserable. This is the first time she's ever been really sick and I know it's a little scary for Oksana. So prayers that our little stinker will recover and be make to making mischief around the apartment.

This Week in Bar

First, I complained about the scorching heat and now, now I must complain about the rain. The rain, the rain, the rain; I've had enough of the rain. The streets are muddy beyond all reason--that's really my main beef with the rain. Streets and sidewalks are like, half-paved here. Some streets and sidewalks are just dirt roads and paths, others were paved at one point, but with such a thin layer of asphalt that they slowly are morphing back to their original form. It's impossible to go out and return home with clean shoes. It's impossible to take a step without your foot getting stuck in thick mud and your shoe making a sucking sound as it smooches the ground...

It has rained everyday for the last week. Not all day everyday, but at least every evening. Around 5 o'clock, the clouds have started to roll in and we've had spectacular thunderstorms. Today, it's just raining. No thunderstorms, and believe me, that's a relief too. The thunderstorms have taken their toll on this apartment.

First, the computer -- though off -- got zapped by a power surge caused by lightening and we had to send it out to get fixed. Then, the refrigerator -- which was only three years old -- got zapped when a storm rolled in before anyone could get home to unplug it. Mama and Papa tried to have the refrigerator fixed but it couldn't be helped. Apparently, that brand of refrigerator only had a shelf life of about three years anyway. The store they bought it from doesn't even sell it anymore.

Buying a refrigerator is no small purchase for anybody, anywhere; but especially here. Mama and Papa make a combined 200 dollars a month. The new refrigerator cost nearly 600 dollars. I'm just glad that Roma and I are here and in a position to help them with that purchase. I'm also glad we were here to insist they buy a well known brand.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again, things are so expensive here. I don't know how the average Ukrainian does it. Things are significantly more expensive than they were when I lived here three years ago and yet, paychecks have remained the same. Three years ago, I could buy a liter of beer for about 4.50 (local currency), now that same beer costs at least 7.50 or 8.00. A small wedge of cheese, which earlier I could buy for 8.00 or 9.00 hryvna now costs at least 15.00.

***

This week was Oksana and her husband, Vitya's two year anniversary. On their anniversary, Vitya managed to get off work early and surprise Oksana with dinner at a restaurant. Roma and I joined them for a glass of wine.

I have only seen Vitya about three times since we've been here, though he lives in the apartment with us. He's been working crazy shifts at his job. Usually he works one week and is home one week, but he filled in for someone else last week, when he should have been home, and next week he's on again and then he's filling for someone else and then he's back on again, so it's looking like he won't be around for another three weeks.

He leaves for work early, at like 6 or 7 AM and gets home between 12 AM and 2 AM. I will never understand the cockamamy work schedule people have here. I remember when Sasha worked at the local juice plant, he'd have to work two days straight, 24 hours a day and then he'd be off for 24 hours. And then, back on for two. Cockamamy I tell you, cockamamy.

***

Roma's cousin and her two young kids came to visit us this week. Her youngest, Artiom, is just about 2 years old and -- though this was the first time I'd met him –also my Godson. He was pretty cute. He charmed the pants off of me with his chunky cheeks and his smile. How could you not love that face?

Veronika had a ball playing with her cousins. The apartment, which I believe I've mentioned is very small (two bedrooms, one living room, kitchen the size of a Jacuzzi), was utter insanity with two more kids added to the mix. I was able to pin the bandits to the couch for a brief moment to take a picture.

AND THEN IT WAS BACK TO CRAZINESS...


***

Grandpa isn't doing so well and we had to bring him to the hospital yesterday. His current problem is unrelated to the horse incident and I'm afraid, a bit more serious; but I'm not going to speculate until we know more. Please keep him and grandma -- and heck, the whole Romaniuk clan -- in your prayers.

It was certainly an experience accompanying someone to the hospital here. Medicine is "free" in Ukraine, except that it's not. You pay for everything. Upon arriving at the hospital, Mama was given a list of things she had to go buy from the pharmacy. This list included antibiotics, pain pills, catheters, alcohol (to sterilize needles and clean grandpa's arm when they draw blood) and so on and so forth.

When grandpa was admitted to spend the night for further testing, Mama had to run home and get blankets and pillows because all that is provided is a bed and a mattress. We had to bring toilet paper, soap, drinking water... basically everything. They don't provide meals or beverages, so Mama makes food and we bring it to him. A couple times a day, we'll also bring him tea in a thermos.

Apparently, the only thing that you get free here is your cot & mattress because even the consultation with the doctor ends up being costly. Mama didn't pay the doctor money per se, but she did send Roma out to buy an expensive bottle of cognac and a box of chocolates. The doctor -- though the father of one of Roma's good friend -- expects something. Depending on how long grandpa is in the hospital and how much attention he receives from the doctor, we'll probably need to give another gift. If grandpa ends up needing surgery, then the expectation will likely be money.

Let's hope that it doesn't get to that point, not because of the cost, but because I wonder if grandpa would even be able – or have the desire – to recover from an operation.

Yesterday was in general, not joyful day. Besides Roma's grandpa being admitted to the hospital, I learned that my grandma was admitted to one also. So while you are at it, prayers for Grandma Ann too. Moreover, yesterday marked two years since my Grandma Eleanor died. Can't believe two years have passed. We all sure miss that smile.

(Pictured here with my cousin, Lori).

Cows and Other Happenings

Well, we had a very busy weekend. On Friday, as previously mentioned, we had cow duty in the village. Mama, Papa, Roma and I left for the village early, early Friday morning. We got there just as the farm was waking up. The village is quite beautiful and serene, though the amenities leave something to be desired. Water comes from a well, the toilet is an outhouse-- you get the picture. Spending the night in the village feels a bit like camping, only you sleep inside and the pillows are hand-stuffed with goose feathers.

We had excellent weather on Friday, which believe me, we were grateful for. The cows get walked rain or shine, thunder & lightening or epic heat wave. We were lucky enough to have beautiful blue skies and a bit of a breeze. Roma and I split our shift with Papa and Roma's Uncle. We helped them get the cows out to pasture in the morning. This consisted of walking along the dirt road as the cows, on their own, joined the herd. In all, there were 37 ladies under our supervision. They all stuck together and followed their fearless leader, a beautiful peach colored cow who I called Blanch.

As you can see from the picture, we took the cows out into the middle of nowhere. Roma told me that earlier, during Soviet times, all those fields were farms. He said that when he was a kid, he and his cousins would have cow duty and that it was incredibly diffcult because there was very little room for the cows to graze. They would have to constantly make sure that the cows didn't wander off and eat someone's crops. It's hard for me to imagine all those rolling-hills as farmland. It's hard to imagine what life was like during Soviet times.

Roma and I had a lovely time walking with the cows. We were out in the fields for about 6 hours. It was so quiet out there, and beautiful, and in a way, it felt like we'd traveled back in time. During our shift, the ladies grazed and then laid down for their afternoon nap. So for about an hour, we sat on a blanket and relaxed too. Then Blanch decided that nap time was over. She got up, the other ladies followed her lead and they were off to graze some more. Here is how Roma and I passed the rest of our afternoon:

1. Running into the woods to pee. (Clearly that was me & clearly that happened more than once)

2. Pretending to sword fight with our sticks.

3. Weed whacking with our sticks.

4. Munching on wild strawberries.

5. Back to pretending to sword fight.

6. Back to weed whacking.

7. Gathering flowers.

8. More weed whacking.

And so on and so forth. You get the picture. While I thoroughly enjoyed my day with the cows, I have to admit, I don't think I'd want to have to walk them regularly. After the novelty wares off, there's really only so much weed whacking you can do to occupy yourself.

Perhaps the highlight of my day with the cows was bringing them in, and not because it meant the day was over; but because they were all so darling trotting home. All we did was make sure they stayed on the dirt road and they knew exactly where to go and which house was theirs. I swear they even said good-bye to one another with a moo.

As we were bringing them in, I got to thinking about how, as a kid, I used to end a lot of letters to my friend Annie with,

"Yours until the cows come home."

Clearly I didn't realize at the time that the cows come home promptly at 8 PM.

*****

On Saturday, we returned to Bar and went over to Sasha and Alona's house for dinner. It's always fun to see them.

Sasha is Roma's best friend. He's a funny guy, always making jokes and always making us laugh. He likes to ham it up for the camera and I always indulge him:




While we were at Sasha and Alona's house, I came across some formal pictures they'd had taken of Dima. I've seen versions of these kinds of pictures in a lot of peoples homes and I think they are hysterical. Cute, but come on, kind of hysterical. I can't decide which one I like the best:

****

On Sunday, we went to visit Papa's side of the family. Roma's grandfather died this past year so we first went to the cemetary to pay our respects. We bought a bouquet with 6 flowers in it, some candy and a bottle of soda (grandpa's favorite) and left it all at his grave. Then we went to his grandmother's house and had lunch. Here are some pictures from our afternoon.

This picture is a little dark, but far right is Roma's grandmother, center is Papa's brother and left is Papa.

Far left in his picture is Roma's sister, Oksana. Center is Papa's twin sister, Luda and on the right, Roma's aunt whose name escapes me. Below is a picture of me with Mama & a picture of our little rascal, Veronuchka.




I'm in the process of trying to get some short videos posted. We'll see how that goes. I have a video of dancing at Roma's reunion, a video from walking the cows and a short video of Dima being a little ham just like his dad. Hopefully I'll be able to share those soon.

Until then, our love to all.

Some Like it Hot, But Not Me & Not Here

The weather was hot, hot, HOT when we arrived last week. It was the kind of hot where multiple cold showers throughout the day are needed just to wash off the sticky, sweaty grim. It was the kind of hot that made sleeping on the fourth floor of a brick apartment building torturous. It was the kind of hot where makeup is pointless because you can't stop sweating.

It was miserably hot and made even hotter and more miserable by the fact that Ukrainians whole-heartedly believe that too much wind or any sort of cross breeze will make you sick. And, in the presence of any young child, they hold militantly to this principle. So with Veronika -- our 18 month niece -- in the house, let's just say the “open window situation” was less than ideal.

The only thing that saved me from loosing my mind during the hot spell -- besides the fact that I'd lived here and was aware of this strange, cultural wind phobia -- was that Roma was also losing his mind. A year in America where he never once heard someone question a cross breeze had a strong effect on him. I'd go so far to say that he's a cross breeze convert.

A couple days ago, a big thunderstorm rolled in and cooled things way off for us. The thunder and the lightening was spectacular. And the rain was SUCH a nice change from the heat. We lost power during the storm and it took about a day and a half for the power to come back in full so we were off-line there for awhile. But fear not, we are back in action.

Since the weather has become more bearable, Roma and I have tried to resume our workout routine. Yesterday we went and played basketball outside near the sports center. Only two other people showed up, but we played anyway. Back when Roma and I first met, before I could speak any Ukrainian and before we ever started dating, he used to take me to open gyms at the sport center. (What can I say, his plan worked --he totally wooed me with his jump shot.) Back when we used go to open gyms together, there'd be at least 10, 15 even 20 guys there, but it seems that sports have fallen by the wayside here. The coach told Roma that he's lucky if 5 guys show up now.

We are off to the village either tonight or early tomorrow morning. It is Roma's grandparent's turn to walk the cows and Roma and I are stepping in on their behalf. Here, everyone in the village sends their cows out to graze together and they rotate the responsibility of supervising the herd. When my parents came to visit back in 2007, we were picnicking out by Alona's village. We'd been swimming in a lake and were relaxing by the shore when a big herd of “supervised” cattle tromped on by us and into the lake for a bath. To this day, my dad likes to tell this story. I guess it is a strange experience. I remember that later that same day, I got back in the water with Roma and a couple of friends. And I was almost able to forget the fact that there'd recently been cattle in the lake... but then a cow-patty floated by me and I was forced to jet out of the water. Poop is pretty much where I draw the line, just so you all know.

Roma's grandpa is doing well. He is very sore and a little unsteady on his feet; but boy did he pop out of bed when he saw his grandson. It was touching. Not only was grandpa able to join us for lunch at the table, but he managed to hobble outside to the garden and pick strawberries for us to munch on. It was a relief to see that he is doing so well. He and grandma sold the horse that trampled him. I guess they'd been talking about selling it for awhile because it was so much extra work. I believe the plan is to sell the cow next year too and then to just have small animals like chickens, geese, turkeys and the pigs. While having a full farm is a lot of work for such an old couple, I know that it is also difficult for them to give it up. It's the only life they have ever known and being so busy gives them purpose.

Here are some pictures from the week. They are of our niece Veronika, Roma's Godson, Dima and our adventures in the woods gathering mushrooms with Sasha, Alona and Sasha's brother, Yura.

Pictures from the Weekend

 Here are a couple of pictures from our last few days, which I assure you, have been action-packed, fun and totally exhausting. It turns out that Roma's reunion was a two day affair. Saturday the boys went to the cemetery to pay their respects to their classmate. I opted out of the cemetery visit because I figured it wasn't something I needed to be a part of. I did attend all the other events, including the hour and a half of reminiscing they all did in their hot and stuffy classroom.

It was definitely interesting to see his friends and classmates sitting in their old assigned seats yucking it up. I could almost picture some of the classes that I taught all grown up and reuniting. Even more, I could picture all of Roma's classmates as young 8th and 9th graders and believe you me, I would not have wanted to teach that class. What a bunch of hooligans!

The second day of the reunion we shashleeked out in the forest. There was also the opportunity to play paintball, which I did because heck, how often to you get the chance to play paintball in a Ukrainian forest? There was only one other wife who opted into playing. She and I spent most of our time crouched behind trees avoiding heavy fire. We got pelted a few times, and I've got the welts to prove it; but we fared way better than the boys. They really went to town on each other.

The little boy pictured is Dima, Roma's godson. When I met him he was not even a year old and now he's about to turn five. He's totally funny. He spent a good part of the shashleek talking my ear off. He has a list of cartoons he wants to watch with me that's like a mile long. We'll see if we get to them...

While there has been a lot of celebrating since Roma and I arrived, it's been nice to see that everyone – for the most part -- has matured over the last five years. (I guess, as one hopes they would.) And while we've certainly partaken in many a toast, they are no longer poured by a heavy hand. It's been really nice. One of the things Roma and I worried about was coming back to Ukraine and feeling pressured to drink a lot. So far that hasn't been the case.

We are most likely off to gather mushrooms in the woods today so I guess that's all for now 

A Ukrainian Homecoming

Well, we made it to Ukraine and so far, have enjoyed a lovely, ridiculously food-filled homecoming. We flew into Kiev Wednesday and were met by one of Roma's good friends. We then drove roughly four hours through the countryside to Bar. 

Ukraine is as lush and beautiful as I remember. 

We arrived in Bar around nine o'clock. Roma's family was waiting for us outside the building. Anyone who has ever lived far from home or gone a long time without hugging their mom can understand what an overwhelming and beautiful moment it is to be home. The rest of you, well, I'm sure you can imagine. Roma's niece, Veronika, is 18 months old and has pretty much only ever known Roma via skype. Yet she recognized him and was so excited to see him that all she could do was grunt and squeal. 

Yesterday we met up with our good friends Sasha and Alona. As per tradition, we took all of our friends out to dinner and ate and drank way too much. Today we are off to the village to see Roma's grandparents. His grandparents are in their 80's and still work their small farm from sun up until sun down without complaint. Last week, Grandpa's horse got spooked and from what I understand, slightly trampled him. He didn't break any bones but has been house bound ever since. I'll have a better idea how he's doing after today, but do keep him in your prayers.

There are a few things that I'm having to re-acclimate to:

1. The public toilet squat. I forgot how challenging it can be to have to balance over a porcelain hole. It's truly an art. 

2. The rich food. (I think one and two go hand in hand, but that's all I'll say)

3. The prices. Things are so expensive here for Ukrainians. I'm sure by next week I'll finally stop saying: I can't believe how much things cost! And, how do people live here on such small paychecks?!

Well, we're off to the village. I'll hopefully post pictures later. Tomorrow is Roma's 10 year class reunion. At 2 pm, we'll all go to the cemetery and visit the graveside of his classmate who drowned on a class trip in the 11th grade. Then we'll go to his old classroom ("and sit for awhile") and then we're off to dinner.

I've got to run. More later.