This and that

It's been a while so this will likely be a wide ranging blog entry. We've been busy with many Embassy events, Thanksgiving feasts and putting our home in order. I should also say a heart felt happy birthday to my little bro. Since I didn't buy a present, send a card or even call him on his birthday a few days ago, the least I can do is immortalize the sentiment on-line. In my defense, I did say happy birthday to our older brother in October, who is basically his doppleganger. So like our parents with their childhood pictures, I'll just pretend that one brother is the other and assume I did my due diligence. Anyway, happy 34th KJ.

Thanksgiving in Kathmandu was fun. It couldn't live up to being with family, but then again I've never had three Thanksgiving dinners in one day before either. And that doesn't include pre-Thanksgiving events at the Embassy and Ambassador's residence. So we ate plenty of turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, and, most importantly, thanks to my thoughtful wife, MANY slices of my grandmother's secret pumpkin pie. And unless every person who tries it lied to us, it is considered "much better than regular pumpkin pie." But my mom won't let me give out the recipe, so don't ask! It's mine, all mine.

It's getting cooler here in The KTM. Luckily I finally found my favorite jackets that Elyse somehow managed to put on a closet shelf several feet above her head in the days after our arrival. I had assumed the moving company had lost them because I don't remember getting them out of our luggage. So obviously, I didn't. I know she's short, but I swear she did it. It wasn't me. Anyway, I love this weather. Mid 60's and chillier at night. Unfortunately, it is also the time of worst air quality in the valley. People are burning whatever they can find to keep warm. Also, the rainy season is over, so there's nothing to clean the air. Without rain, the hydropower decreases thereby increasing loadshedding. We're up to an average of 6 hours without power per day. Well, not "we." I guess "they " is more appropriate. Those with means (like us) use gas/diesel powered generators, which add to the pollution. It's not a pretty picture. Literally and figuratively. We can't even see the mountains that surround the city anymore. Such is life in a developing country. And Los Angeles.

We also have started to put the baby's room together (see picture below). Actually we haven't done much yet, but we did put together a crib and something called a "changing table." I'm not sure what that is, and never plan to find out. I guess it's where the baby will put on its adorable outfits. I plan on raising an independent kid, so this changing table sounds good to me. We may paint some walls as well. Otherwise, bring it on. I'm ready.

That's enough rambling for now. I hope to have more deep thematic issues to discuss in the future. But now I'm going to watch the Daily Show and Colbert Report. Our politics are entertaining. Thanks goodness for the Armed Forces Network. Until next time...life roles merrily along in Kathmandu. I look forward to speaking with friends and family soon.