Aside from the already described encounters at the grocery store and mall, Dina and I stayed up super late Friday night looking up guitar music on the internet, playing guitar and drinking wine. We laughed and laughed, and were surprised that when we went to bed it was 2:00 in the morning.
On Saturday morning, I walked to the farmer's market, a billboard showed the temperature at -3 degrees celcius. We had invited one of my doctors and his wife and kids over for Sunday brunch. Dina made Milla's current scones and pumpkin muffins served with fruit salad and Russian tea.
That night, was the Marine Corps ball (233 yrs. old). Dina wore a beautiful strapless dress with high heeled shoes and pearls. So pretty. For a moment, I felt like I was giving her away and then I realized she's mine for keeps. The food was delicious and the alcohol was free! The Ambassador gave a great speech. He compared the navy to an SUV: stylish yet rugged. Well dressed and utilitarian. The air force he compared to a Corvette: sexy and fast. Able to get around quickly. The army is like a 4X4 pick-up truck: can get just about anywhere and drop a load. But the Marines; well, they're of a different caliber all together. They are like a Harley-Davidson. Drop down on you like thunder and gone before you know it. And then we danced.
Yesterday we recovered from the Ball. In the evening, Dina and I went to the Bolshoi Ballet to see Giselle. Again she looked perfectly styled in her black dress and shawl. We sat on the wing of the orchestra section. The ballet was by far the best of any we had ever seen. Every set was dreamy. The dancing was superb and the unison and choreography was flawless.
Today is another work day. But tomorrow is a Russian holiday,woo-hoo.
You both look great, that's my brother!
Posted by: mc | November 10, 2008 at 08:09 AM
You both look quite dapper in the black gown and tux. I'm sure the evening at the Ball was a great time. I miss my days as a Naval submarine wife.
To follow that with the Bolshoi. What a weekend.
Posted by: Tina | November 10, 2008 at 03:04 PM
You both look quite dapper in the black gown and tux. I'm sure the evening at the Ball was a great time. I miss my days as a Naval submarine wife.
To follow that with the Bolshoi. What a weekend.
Posted by: Tina | November 10, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Hey! Looking fab! Had internet trouble and am just seeing your blog for the first time since Halloween :-) Glad you guys are having such fun! I thought of you at the Bolshoi over the weekend... You've been quite busy!
Posted by: MoscowMom | November 10, 2008 at 07:44 PM
You guys look fabulous. It seems like only yesterday you were at your first Marine Ball in Niamey. Time sure do fly!
Posted by: MamaLana | November 10, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Wow, it sounds fabulous. I'm jealous of you young 'uns! Enjoy it all - you earned it.
Posted by: clay | November 11, 2008 at 03:46 AM
You guys are having too much fun! I'm glad I'm right there with you!
Posted by: carolee | November 12, 2008 at 07:07 PM
Wow! You two look incredible! Sounds like a great evening.
Miss you all!
Posted by: Natalie | November 13, 2008 at 11:27 AM