Catching Up
Hello again to you dear folks who continue to read this blog. I do hope you had a happy December! We had a restful holiday season filled with children and laughter, music, good food and conversation. My husband had a translation conference in south Turkey so this time he decided to take the whole family along for a one week break from the intense life we lead. For one week the children swam in an indoor pool and ate all the desserts they could manage.
We played board games, walked the beach, and even took a day trip to visit the famous theater and ruins of ancient nearby Aspendos.
On Christmas morn, Pippi woke up with the chicken pox. Fortunately, it didn't stifle her energy too badly until the following day. Then it grew quite severe, but she is recovering nicely.
For New Year's Eve, we began our yearly Lord of the Rings movie marathon and watched all three extended versions with the older children. We began at 2pm and went until 4am. In between, we stuffed ourselves with homemade fudge, roasted chestnuts and hot salep, a sweet Turkish winter drink made from orchids.
On Christmas morn, Pippi woke up with the chicken pox. Fortunately, it didn't stifle her energy too badly until the following day. Then it grew quite severe, but she is recovering nicely.
For New Year's Eve, we began our yearly Lord of the Rings movie marathon and watched all three extended versions with the older children. We began at 2pm and went until 4am. In between, we stuffed ourselves with homemade fudge, roasted chestnuts and hot salep, a sweet Turkish winter drink made from orchids.
Other events are brewing in our lives, but I will save those for a later post.
Happy New Year!
You're back!!
ReplyDelete"all the desserts they could manage"...that makes me smile.
I have let my kids gorge on desserts during a vacation!
That Roman theatre looks awesome!
My son is asking once again to see the Lord of the Rings also.
We were just listening to the soundtrack this morning.
That salep seems most interesting.
I am wondering, if it has a caffeine effect.
Happy New Year to you!
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Keri
What a fun time together! Welcome back and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWhat is it with Christmas and chicken pox? Last year we were at my sisters and when we were leaving I noticed a few spots on my son's back. That started a four week battle with the pox. Just when three kids were over and safe to go out, the other two came down with them. Now I have six children and the only one who hasn't gotten them is the baby (I was pregnant with no. 6 when everyone battled them). Have fun!
ReplyDeleteDear Lindafay,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see you posting again!
It sounds like you had a lovely Christmas and New Year (except for the Chicken pox)
The drink made from orchids sounds very interesting.
I'm looking forward to reading about what else is brewing...
Stacy
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/aussieinamerica
Enjoyed the links! The drink sounds interesting. I'm not really fond of Turkish Delight, but have tried it at least. I usually like Mid-Eastern foods, though... so I'm not sure what it is about TD that bothers me. Maybe the jelly-like consistency. I hate gummy bears or anything chewy like that. Rose water doesn't bother me. I have some at home, actually. I bought it when I was on a medieval cooking stint.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are back to blogging and I'm anxious to hear about your "brewing events". :)
Glad to hear you had a happy holiday (aside from the chicken pox).
Welcome back for 2008!
In Him,
Heather
Glad to see you back!! Sounds like you had a wonderful break (minus chicken pox!).
ReplyDeleteyou have been missed....welcome back my friend
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful get-away.
ReplyDeleteWe are also doing another round of LOTR extended version- I'm glad there is someone who can relate ;)
blessings
Denise
Nice to have you "back"! I was just thinking the other day that we hadn't "heard" from you in a while, and then checked in and remembered that you were taking a break. I love seeing the pictures- camels are my favorite animals and just seeing them made me smile! I remember reading about salep in Eric Hansen's book Orchid Fever. Very interesting- I'd love to try it, but I guess I'll just have to come to Turkey in order to do that. (Which I'd LOVE to do!)
ReplyDeleteMany blessings on you and your family in the new year!
Rebeca
Great pictures! Looks like a fun time. Sorry about the chicken pox though.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! I love that photo of the waterfall. So pretty.
ReplyDeleteI didn't do my LOTR movies this year. So little time to watch uninterrupted with the baby toddling around. I'd much rather write.
Looking forward to hearing more from you!
Hi Lindafay!
ReplyDeleteI can actually see the word verification and leave you a comment! Will miracles never cease? lol.
I loved your Christmas update. It looks like a very beautiful place there in South Turkey.
Your family is growing up!
Carol
Welcome back and Happy New Year! :)
ReplyDeleteAnxious to hear about the brewing events...
I had just found your site, when *poof*!! off on hiatus you go . . . {chuckle!}
ReplyDeletedelighted you are back. Beautiful ~ everything, everyone. The Turkey coast took my breath away!
Looking forward to more . . .
So lovely to have you "back."
ReplyDeleteI posted about our annual Christmas Tea. My photos are not very good, but I do hope you'll stop by for a look.
Warm regards,
Shannon
http://apronstrings-neededthings.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year. Glad to see that you are back. Always fun to hear about your travels. Hope the pox have cleared by now. We have had a holiday full of sickness. Two still down.
ReplyDeleteWow, great photos, it is great to see these great places at least vicariously!!
ReplyDeleteCan you get calamine (sp.) loton there? Good luck with the chicken poxs, has your youngest had them yet?
So glad your back!!
All the pictures are beautiful ... the sites and food ... and your sweet girl!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back to blogging. :)
(If this posts more than once, I apologize. I received some strange message about the browser and re-trying the 'send' function).
ReplyDeleteLindafay, hello and welcome back. I was coming here to "re-read" a fairly recent post you entered about your daughter's high school program. I am glad that you guys were able to relax and enjoy the holidays as a family. We headed to West Texas, and when you have an opportunity, come check out the pics! (It's not Turkey, but for the States, it's not bad--HA HA!)
Anyway, may the Lord continue to show you favor and grant you even more wisdom in 2008. God bless you.
I'm glad you're back too. And can't wait for the next post!
ReplyDeleteLuci
So glad you are back! Missed your internet voice, but glad to hear that you had a good holiday season with your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Lindafay! :) Glad to see you all had a lovely holiday season together despite the contagious breakouts ;) Looking forward to reading more from you soon.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jacci
Welcome back, and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you all got to take a little break over the holidays, can't wait to hear what's "brewing" over there in Turkey!
What lovely photos !! A "tea bath" may help with the chicken pox itching (just in case you need it).
ReplyDeleteIt is always a pleasure to read your blog. HAPPY NEW YEAR !
God Bless.
MomToCherubs
http://www.becksbounty.blogspot.com
Looking forward to reading your blog again this year! I'm glad your holidays were relaxing (um, minus the chicken pox) and am hoping the currently "brewing" events are exciting ones! ;)
ReplyDeleteBTW, I am a new CM blogger/homeschool mom and would love for you to stop by and say hello, although you obviously have a large following to keep up with! Just if you get a chance! Otherwise, Happy New Year!
http://marlashome.blogspot.com/
--Marla
Nice photos. That shot of the city and the one of the camels I really liked. Of course, I enjoyed seeing a pix of you. You should have a head full of grey hair and lots of wrinkles to go along with all the wisdom you impart to us homeschoolers. :)But alas, you look as young as me but I only have half (if that) of your wisdom. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a marathon - from 2p.m.-4a.m. watching videos. I would have crashed about 9p.m., I'm sure.
Glad you're back!
Welcome back! Missed you. Eek on the Christmas pox; glad she is recovering nicely. Love the idea of the LOTR marathon for NYE. Might have to borrow that idea next year. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the warm welcome back. If I could see you in person I'd give each of you a kiss on both cheeks, Turkish style ;)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to address each one of you individually but I have three sick children with fevers and am getting over a serious bout with the flu, myself. Thanks for all the pox advice.
Timbuck2mom, humility is a virtue to be desired as much as wisdom. I think you display that.
Blessings!
lindafay