Wow!

Well, we are finally adjusting to life back in Nizh. The kids are somewhat sleeping through the night, and I am getting used to the pace (or lack thereof) of life in russia. It is getting colder, although we haven't had any snow in a couple of weeks. Today it is -17 degrees celcius, with a windchill of -30 degrees celcius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit). Yikes! It hurts your chest when you are outside and breathe in the cold air. On the way to school today, Emma wore 2 scarves: one to cinch the neck of her coat, and one to cover her face. She was "really puffed up" as she says when she has on her outerwear :)

There hasn't been much going on--Lee spent 4 days in Moscow last week-- and I thought I was going to loose my mind! Not that it isn't already a bit off, but it was pure craziness cooped up with Emma and Paul in our little apartment! Thank God for Chris! He came over every night for dinner--it was the hightlight of our days, as we finally had English conversation :)

I probably don't have to tell you this, but the prices here are ridiculous!!!!! Here are some examples:

**Toilet paper--ok- now, I didn't buy the crepe paper that the ladies on the corner sell, it was somewhat like the kind they sell in the US, but a different brand. "Lambi" . I paid what is equivalent to $11 for 6 rolls! It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "this s**t is expensive"! :)

**Dry cleaning--I took 5 pairs of pants and 2 blouses to the cleaners. It cost me $80!! Insane!!!!!!

**Philadelphia cream cheese--now, granted, this is a "luxury" and isn't found very often in Nizh, but I found a big tub of this, and paid the eqivalent of $30.

**Whiskey-- a bottle of Canadian Club that you would buy in the states for about $20....here it costs $80.

It just floors me, when I see these prices and do the conversion! Oh, and diapers, are very expensive too! the only thing that I have found that is cheaper is bread. You can buy a good loaf of tasty bread for about 50 cents.

Anyway! just wanted to say hello, and vent a bit about the price gouging going on here :) I hope all is well, and that you are enjoying the beginning of the Holidays! Much love, juli