Kevin: Here we are, at the dacha, resting our tired feet and frazzled nerves, watching Timmy water flowers and rake the leaves while we read and sleep and marvel at the fresh oxygen in the air and the grass on the ground and the water all around. One day here has given us as much rest asan antire month on the Red Sea. LIsiya and Anatoliy take care of Timmy (even at 2 a.m.) while we work on our books and our tans.
The flowers astonish with their variety and simple beauty. And they bring you here with us: mom's gifts of sunflowers and marigolds, the "stolen and smuggles" spider plants from Aillen's (and some yards in Georgetown - editor)tulips from our home away from home, Amsterdam. We are at peace, counting the stars and our blessings every night.
Unlike other vacations we've had (and there have been plenty!), this time we have no plans, or plans to make plans. We might go into town tonight to have a marguerita with old friendsat Tequila House, but we might not.
We will probably be in Kiev on August 24 to celebrate Ukraine's 10th year of independence - always one of our favorite holidays - wearing our special, hand-woven shirts. But wahtever we do, we'll be taking it slow, strolling not running.
Lesya: It was a wonderful time for all of us. Time for Kevin and me to spend together, for Timka to walk around picking berries, exploring neighbours yards, forest and sotnes on the road, for my parents to have all of us under one roof for a change - you know how it feels.
We are very grateful to fate for this vacation - away from office gossip and politics, heat and dryness. Suddenly to be able to walk in a street not being followed by dirty looks and teasing boys, to almost"drink" fresh air, walk on a grass - recuperate, recharge, rest. Kevin and I both agree that it was the best vacation we had in the last three years: no planning, running and driving. No obligations, no stress, no concerns. The last vacation like that we could remember was our engagement honeymoon in France, before weddings, pregnancy, Timka.
