Visit to Los Angeles/Churchill's visit

Arrived and that evening went on a picnic in the hills. There was a concert in the park, so we entertained too. Wonderful evening and met two lovely ladies.

I have eaten well. Grilled Salmon, chicken salad, grilled pork chops at the Churchills. Food at In N Out Burger, mall food court, Terranea resort, and Uncle Bill's Pancake House.

Saw the movie Julie/Julia. Really enjoyed it. Found out Julia Childs was tall over 6 ft and for the movie Meryl Streep stood on a box at times to look taller.

Ruth and I painted John's room. It turned out really well. But I did spill the paint tray on the drop cloth, thank goodness it was almost empty. Taking the window treatment down was a pain. The people who lived in the house before used at least 4" screws. Took almost as long to take out the six screws as it did to paint the entire room. But for dinner steak on the grill, yum.

Worked on the quilt the next day.

Friday we decided to paint Stevens room. It was a lot harder. Guess we were tired from painting John's room.

Had Mexican on Sat. Sun. night we went to the Hollywood Bowl and heard the symphony play Rodgers and Hammerstein selections. They showed bits of the movie with the music, was great.

Monday we worked on the quilt and cleaned up so when Jay got home the house looked like we didn't trash it. Went to the botanical gardens and heard the local orchestra play. It was such a wonderful weather we had a good time. Was fun to see what everyone brought to eat. We didn't bring anything though.

Went home on Tuesday so I could get ready for UAE>

Still in the USA

I have been in the states since November 2008. I am suppose to join Mike in New York City. He has a meeting there towards the end of March. So we plan on seeing the sights of NYC and then head back to the UAE together.

He has bought a bed, so no more blowup beds. Yeah!

I have been keeping busy with visiting my children and mother. While at my mom's I helped her put things away so they could do the deep cleaning and then put everything back after they finished. While we were doing that we went through her drawers and cabinets and tossed or gave away things she no longer wanted or needed. I made a few fabric covered clothesline bowls. They were fun to make, but I would love to take a class to see how to do some of the techniques they talk about.

This weekend I am going back to TCU for mom's weekend at my daughters sorority. They have a fashion show to raise funds for the women's shelter. It should be fun.

Things are really quiet at home.

Ruwais

I have arrived. The trip was pretty uneventful. I do have to say that business class on Emirates airline was really nice. Of course, I got picked to have my carry on smelled by the trained dog. But I didn’t have to have it gone through by the secondary check point. It didn’t seem like such a long trip, but that could because it is shorter than the trip to Seoul and back.

UAE entry is easier than the states or Seoul. I did not have to fill out any forms and being in business class you get a fast track pass, but there was no line anyway. Mike was there to meet me. But I was picked to have my luggage go through the scanner, but it was quick. He didn’t have a car, but a driver. So a nice relaxing drive to the flat. Saw the lights of Dubai and the traffic, but not much else.

The 4 – 5 hour trip to Ruwais seemed to last forever. Getting out of Dubai took forever. Traffic is bad, not sure if it is as bad as Seoul at rush hour, but seems comparable. We stopped about halfway home for gas and to eat something. It was a choice of pizza, burgers, chicken, or donuts. I had chicken and had Mike get donuts for the next day’s breakfast. Good thing, nothing at the flat. Nothing but walls, sink, windows, cabinets in kitchen and in bedroom, and a bathroom. No tub in the bathroom, but a big shower.

The Kitchen The living room

We got home and saw our flat. It isn’t bad, just nothing in it. Had to blow up the beds and make them, then sleep until Thursday. Mike has every other Thursday off and it was his Thursday off. So we spent time viewing what was in the area. It is hot!! Although this is cool weather, can’t imagine what it would be like in the summer. We have a good view out our window. We can see the manmade lake from the kitchen window. Did see a deer the first day, but haven’t seen it since. We ate lunch and dinner at the recreation club. It is the men’s rec club. The womens is elsewhere. There is a store about 5 blocks away with a little shopping and a salon for men and one for women. Funny thing is they spell it saloon instead of salon. Marek picked Mike up and he went to the camp and got a few things.


Friday is their Saturday. It is the day that it usually spent at the beach. So Marek took us to the beach. Is a nice beach and the water is warm, but nice and clear. Mike and Marek went to the camp for lunch and brought things back for me to eat. We met some Polish people that Marek knows and I met the wives. We came back to apartment and then got ready to meet them for drinks at the beach. We only had snacks for dinner thinking that there we would have snacks at the beach. That didn’t happen so I ate the crackers and fruit we had at the flat when we got back. The ladies mostly speak Polish and a little English. I talked with them some, but mostly talked with the men, since they speak English better and the wives were discussing things in polish. Guess I may have to learn polish. They said they would take me this coming week. We will see how well we communicate then.


The hotel’s beach The view from the beach – bait shop
Saturday Marek, Mike, Thomas, and I went to Abu Dhabi to the mall. It takes about 2.5 hours. We stopped halfway for a break. It helps you not get sleepy, since the scenery is all sand. Mike wasn’t feeling well. So after looking at things didn’t buy anything. We mostly rested. Have found the bed I think will be best and a table and chairs. Will get the starter set of dishes and pots and pans from IKEA when we go back. The washing machines won’t fit in the space allocated for it in the flat. So it will have to go next to the refrig. Will have to get something to go in the space where it is suppose to go. I have decided that I will get a toaster oven and portable burners. Maybe a microwave too. Decided to wait and see if Borouge will pay anything for furnishing the flat before we go spending much. Found out I can go in the camp for a short visit (an hour maximum). So went after we got back and Mike brought me dinner from the cafeteria. He has TV, so watched that. The internet wasn’t working, so still no contact with the outside world. Borouge doesn’t know where the international phones are, so no calling anyone either.


We have no contract yet. They say they are negotiating it. Mike isn’t sure who they are negotiating with, it isn’t him. So he isn’t sure he wants to stay here. We will see. That is why we aren’t buying things yet. But maybe if I buy things he will decide to stay.

Sunday Mike went to work and I stayed at the flat by myself for the first day. He called and he got a car yeah. So we now don’t have to walk everywhere. I did go outside for awhile and decided I didn’t want to walk far. Had crackers and cheese for lunch. When Mike came home we went to the place to get internet service. He found out what he needs, so hopefully he can get all the forms tomorrow and turned in, so we can get internet soon. We ate at the rec center again. It was Indian food this evening. Not bad, but seems like pretty much the same thing all the time. The apartment smells we are on the ground floor and have open drains in the floor. They smell sometimes and the maintenance people come and take off the cover and stick their hands down it and push things around. It takes the smell away. So no more smelly apartment. Yeah!! One of the pipes of water has a leak it is in a closet so one of the floors of the small closets is wet. But since the floor in those closets is lower than the flat floor we don’t have water in the flat. They are supposed to fix it this week; they have to get in the apartments above us. Guess we are lucky we get to hear everyone shower or turn on their water. But it could be worse. It is a nice view from the kitchen so that I am thankful for.

It is Monday and I am writing this blog. I will see what else I get done today. Yesterday I did a cross word puzzle and picture puzzle and organized the things in the kitchen cabinets. Wow. But still feel a little jet lagged. I am getting up at 2 or 3 for an hour or so and read. But think I will soon get over that. Mike came home and went to play tennis at the hotel. So I tagged along. Thought I might be able to access the web from my computer, but not unless you are a guest. Next time will see about asking Thomas for his password and log in. He is staying there until his wife and two children come along with their furniture.

Tuesday I now have a routine. I get up and exercise for an hour or more, then either read or do a crossword puzzle. I am working on some yoga poses and can now do the tree for 1 min. Not a great accomplishment, but every little bit helps. It is one of the poses you do on the Wii fit. I am determined to keep in shape while I am here. After dressing I decide which craft I will work on and get the things I need for it. Today I made a necklace from wire and beads. Tried knitting, but decided I need help to move on. So that will have to wait. Two rows and I am stuck. Yarn over knitting and yarn over purling have me confused. Will get help with it when I visit my mom in NC, either from my mom or sister in law Carol. Went with Mike to the camp for dinner, even ate in the mess hall. Someone else has their wife with them, so Mike decided it was ok. After dinner we went to the activity room where I accessed the internet. Only had a little while before it closed, so didn’t get much done. Just checked on the bank accounts, of course Borouge wired the money to the wrong acct, so had to adjust payments and it took all my time. Maybe tomorrow I will be able to email people.
Thursday found out we have no internet in the apartment (flat) complex. I was not happy, but after a day or two calmed down and started thinking of solutions. Will probably get satellite service. Here it is rather expensive. Set up is over $200 US and monthly fee over $100 US. Since we aren’t sure what the company will pay for us living here we are waiting to see what happens with the contract. But I am sure whether they pay or not I will get internet. Mike wants to make sure I am happy. He is surprised by how I have not complained and taken things in stride. Thursday is the drinking night. So we went to the bar at the local hotel. The men from the camp pay for a bus to take them and bring them back. Since if you get stopped and have any level of alcohol you are deported. I had OJ while Mike had a beer. But like all bars it was loud and smoky. Next time I think we will have drinks on the beach. That is so much nicer.

Friday is their Sat. So we got ready for the trek to the desert. After packing we got our laundry and dropped it off at the camp. Ate lunch at the camp and then left in Marek’s company car. We were to meet at the LIWA hotel about 2 hours away. It is on the Liwa Oasis – the blub says the Fertile Crescent shaped oasis bordering the vast Rub Al Khali Desert (known as the “Empty Quarter”). They had snacks and then instructions – when we stop deflate tires to the pressure of 18. When driving use low gear they will pull out if we get stuck. We didn’t have a gauge and when we did the tire I deflated was at 17, the others were 18, 16, and 11. But we told it was ok. So off we went. Marek and Mike drove the first day. We got stuck once and dug ourselves in so had to be pulled out. But we weren’t the only ones. We were a big group (34 cars besides the tour guides). Later were told it was too many, next time they would only allow 10 cars. We got to a camping spot around 6 pm. You picked your spot and then grabbed your tent, sleeping bags and pillow seat. Glad Mike knew what he was doing I wasn’t sure if I would have figured out the tent. We then pumped up our blow up beds and we were ready for night time. It was hot, but cooling off. They said when the sun went down it would get cool, but didn’t feel it yet. The bathroom facilities were over a dune and find a private spot. It was a far walk to find a place to squat outside of the range of site and one must be careful not to step where others had stopped or your shoes could be dirty. Much better in the dark to find some place. The stars were wonderful. The guide pointed out Venus, Mars, Saturn, etc. They cooked potatoes, beef, lamb chops, and chicken. It was a feast and enough no one went hungry. After supper they started a fire and some of the children roasted marshmallows. We went to bed early some stayed up late. You can hear lots in the desert at night. Did not appreciate the man who used the facilities right behind our tent. There was evidence of it in the morning.


Next day we awoke and had breakfast. I made Mike walk the dunes with me and be look out while I used the facilities. It was a rather long walk, but dune walking is interesting. Several of the group left. So instead of 34 cars we were down to about 24. A Volvo was too heavy and kept sinking in the sand so it went back. They would never have made it. I drove three times and got stuck every time. The first time was when two cars ahead stopped and we either stopped or ran into them. Afterwards learned you just go around them if possible. But the guide got in the car and drove it off, no pulling. Mike, Marek and I all got stuck at least once. The last time I got stuck we were to go over a side of a slight hole and the car slide sideways into the hole. I tried to drive out, but ended up getting stuck, the guide had to pull us out. But when he came to investigate he saw a better pathway and had everyone else go that was, since I was the second car to get stuck there. We were suppose to get back to the roadway at 2, but didn’t make it until 5pm. The best drive was the one Marek had, you go straight down the dune to the bottom. Just drive off the edge and let gravity do the work. Of course after we all got down the guides drove down quickly. They used gas and we were told no way. You might have flipped if you made a mistake. But dune driving is definitely fun. I can see my son Bryan having a great time. We got back and after inflating the tires back to proper pressure, I made them stop back at the hotel to use the facilities. Enjoyed a real bathroom and sink where I brushed teeth and washed as much as possible. When we got to Gyahita sp?, the car got washed and cleaned. It looked like a new car again. We even got back to the camp in time for dinner. Ate and packed then came back to the flat. It was a long but good day.

Home

I am in Sugar Land still. I visited all my children. Trish and Bryan the weekend after arriving in Houston. Amanda the first weekend in October. It was parents weekend at TCU. I didn't do any of the parent activities, except the football game. Instead we visited and went shopping. She now has a table to eat meals on and two chairs to sit in while she eats. Found Wii fit while we were shopping so bought the game and played with it before I left. It said I was about my age and slightly overweight. So guess I will work at losing some of that weight. I enjoyed the Wii fit and am practicing my yoga, so when I come back I will be able to master the techniques.


Amanda had fall break starting Wed. so she came home and was going to take me to the airport. But Thursday morning Mike called and there was a slight problem, so I didn't leave. I will leave in about 10 days. I am thinking Oct 20 or 21. So that way I can vote early and not hassle with absentee voting. We will see what happens. Now that Ramadon is over and peoples vacations are ending, maybe the problems can get resolved. But I can work on my quilt I started over a year ago and a few other projects. Might even get motivated to work on the flower beds in the front yard. But I will see if I can visit some more with my friends before I leave and enjoy the things in the states while I am here.

Back home Sept 24

Sat. Trish and I went shopping in Birmingham. We mainly just window shopped, did get a few things. Ate at the Tavern, it was good and we could watch the Alabama game on their tv. So was fun. Spent all day and when we got home Trish went over to a friends to visit.



Sun. I hung curtains and pictures while Trish studied.



Monday I finished up the rest of the chores and talked to the men about mowing Trish's backyard. Not sure they really want to do it, but got two quotes one for $30 and another for $35. Her yard is tiny and I get my yard in TX done with flower beds weeded for less than that. Oh well may go back to getting a mower. Took Trish and three of her friends out to dinner before I left on Tuesday to Desperados Steakhouse. It was good steak and the girls really liked the mashed potatoes. Was a fun evening.



Tues. I drove to New Orleans. Before I left I got a call from Ruth and she told me Sue Beigler had died. She suffered from ALS. She will be missed. Bryan, Marj and I went out to dinner at Pascal's Manale. Didn't get the bbq shrimp which they are known for, but what we had was good. Really liked my asparagus/shrimp soup. They thought it was good too.


Wed. I returned the rental car after jumping the blue taurus. It is old and doesn't like sitting in the garage. Then did some errands.

Thurs. cleaned and straightened things up. Had dinner with Pat Baker and Debra Gallemore. We caught up on what was going on with every one's family. They are doing fine and Debra in a grandmother again. Debra still doesn't have electricity. Hopefully she will get it soon.

Friday had lunch with Pat Dickerson. Also called a roof person to put a chimney cover on our chimney. He will do it on Monday of next week. Yeah!!!

The weekend was quiet. I fed Ruby (neighbors dog) while they went on a NASCAR driving weekend. They told me it was a lot of fun. Hung the plates back in the kitchen and other pictures that were sitting in my room. Hadn't rehung them since I had the house painted this past spring. Went to church and visited with friends there.

Monday I went to my old bible study. Was great seeing everyone again. Afterwards we went to lunch. Enjoyed catching up with everyone. Afterwards I mailed packaged, deposited checks, and got my hair cut. It is really short now. Figured I needed it short for the middle east. Talked with Mike he has a five day weekend. He will try to keep busy. He is adjusting well to the middle east. He is still in the hotel and probably will be there until I arrive. Then we will settle into our accommodations. Looks like we will be in the company complex. Let you know what it is like when I find out.

Home for a visit after Ike Sept 15

Sad to leave Jay and Ruth's had a great visit. Arrived home Monday, but it was dark so couldn't see much damage. No trouble getting a rental car, they were all stored at the airport I think. Had lots of choices. There was an accident on the beltway so it took me over an hour to drive home, but that was ok, I was home.



Tues. went through most of the mail in the morning. Had a letter from the deed restriction office - needed to trim the bushes. Since my neighbor Patti raked my front yard, I didn't have much hurricane damage to fix, so trimmed the bushes and thinned out the lariope(sp?). Carrie next door invited me for breakfast. It was delicious - pancakes, bacon, and sausage. Then I came home and got together the things Trish wanted. Will leave tomorrow and visit with her for the weekend.

Wed left for Tuscaloosa. I went to New Orleans and had dinner with Bryan and Marjorie his girlfriend. It was late, so spent the night with him. We ate at Upperline - it was nice. In the morning I stayed around and we went lunch with Bryan. We ate at Crabby Jacks - they have huge po-boys - I only ate half of mine so Bryan has another leftover for lunch tomorrow.
Got to Tuscaloosa on Thursday in time for dinner. Trish and I went out to eat. She told me all the things she would like done while I am here and I will see what I get to.

Fri - I tried weedeating the backyard. The weedeater I brought from home didn't work. So looked into buying a new one. Met a yard man in Home Depot - he explained the different items to us and said why didn't we hire someone. Told us to look in the phone book. But after talking some more he will come out and give us an estimate on the cost to mow her backyard. Trish is keeping busy with law school, so doubt she would keep up with the lawn mowing anyway. We will see what he quotes. We went to the movies and saw The Women. We enjoyed it, Trish says she may get the movie when it comes out. Not sure I liked it that much.

Heard from Mike - went driving around exploring - he put his feet in the Indian Ocean. Said he will try to check out the housing in Ruwais - saw the camp for single people, but not the married housing. Guess I will find everything out when I get there.

Last week in Seoul

Monday I was hoping to hear the exact time of departure, but that was not to be. It is now Wednesday and we aren't sure if we will be leaving. The powers to be have not yet authorized his travel, so we will wait and see what happens.

Tuesday I went to the AWC (American Women's Club) meeting to say Hi and Bye to my friends. They have a raffle at the end and I got a lovely necklace. Actually Ina got the necklace, but she only wears two necklaces so gave it to me as a parting gift. She is so sweet. After the meeting we went to eat at Buddas Belly in Itaewon then coffee and to the express bus terminal for shopping. Liza had to get some groceries and I needed to get out of the apartment. I stayed home all day yesterday and was getting tired of sorting and going through papers.

Wed. I went to the craft class at Oakwood. We made two flower hair ribbons. It was fun. Mike came home from work so I could go, since the packers were to come. They came, but no boxes and not a big enough car to take our stuff. So after the secretary translated, DHL said they would be back before 4 pm. Then I went to lunch at Mita's since it was my last week. I thought it would be just her and me, but it was a surprise lunch with the girls from Oakwood. The picture is of the girls, Leanne had to leave before the photo. The food was great and it was a total surprise. I had a good time. The packers came back, but they just threw things in boxes and said they would pack at their office. So off they went. Mike and I went to La Grilla to celebrate getting things packed up.

Thurs. work gets an email from the packers what to do with the things that they would not pack and send. They couldn't pack playing cards or Mike's medicine. Told them to bring them back to our room before 10am tomorrow. Also found out that the tickets have not been approved for our travel. After a few more phone calls and some hassle they were approved. But with Ike threatening we changed my reservations to have a stop in Los Angeles before going to Houston. Mike will go straight to Dubai and get a car to Abu Dhabi. We ate at On the Border for our last meal in Seoul and ran into Debbie and Gene. So we ate and visited with them.

Friday. Finished packing, but Mike waited for the DHL packages. He took me and my bags to the City Air Terminal and then we came back for an hour before I would have to leave for the airport. DHL came at 9:30am and we went to the air terminal. I went to the Korean Air lounge to wait for Mike. He caught up with me around 10:45. We had some food then walked the terminal. I left for LA and he went to the Korean craft area and made a hanji box and got to play a flute. Which according to him, he couldn't make it make a sound. But he got to keep it. It was a good way to spend his free time before his flight. I arrived in LA and Ruth was waiting for me. On the way home from the airport we stopped for lunch and caught up with what was happening. She told me that IAH (Houston airports) were closed at 10 am Fri. morning. We watched the hurricane news, had dinner and watched the new some more. Mike called to tell me he arrived safely in Abu Dhabi and was staying at the Hilton. I also talked to my mom and the girls to let them know we were fine. Couldn't get in touch with Bryan. I fell asleep and finally decided I needed to go to bed and did.

Sat Watched the news and wondered why when there was mandatory evacuation about 10,000 people stayed on Galveston Island. They were lucky the storm surge wasn't as high as predicted. Talked with my neighbor, my house is fine, the only damage she noticed was the chimney cover blew off. But she found one in her front yard and it is in my garage now to be put back on. No electricity yet and it may be awhile. My plans now are to stay in LA until Monday and fly home. But that depends if they are flying into Houston and I can get a rental car. My neighbor Carrie said if the electricity is still off tonight she will clean out my refrig and freezer. I have great neighbors. Jay and Ruth went to a social event tonight and I am watching their dog Toots. Toots and I had a good dinner and are watching tv. I will probably go to bed soon, since I still feel a little jet lagged.

Sunday I checked with my neighbor again to see if I would be able to get home. She told me they now have electricity. So that is good news and grocery stores are open. Yeah!! So I am getting ready to fly home. Not sure if I will have a rental car available or not, but getting to Houston is good. Will let you know how that goes later.