The most common phrase heard from a Russian friend this time of year is Happy New Year (in Russian, of course)! New Year’s is the biggest holiday celebration in the former Soviet Union. There are Christmas trees galore, but they are referred to as New Year’s trees. A comeback of Christmas is happening, but I’ve seen far more signs and advertisements that wish Happy New Year than Merry Christmas. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Orthodox Christmas one week after New Year’s, so for us Westerner’s it’s a great time–three weeks of Christmas and celebration!
A Writer in Red Square at ChristmasMy husband took the picture of me in Red Square a few weeks ago. There’s a lot more snow today, but the tree is there and we look forward to seeing it with a backdrop of fireworks on New Year’s Eve at midnight. Yes, we’re going to take the kids and brave the crowds and cold and spraying bottles of champagne. If I capture any good shots I’ll post them here.
How a Bride Keeps Warm in MoscowCheck out the bride, and check out her fur! Brides are seen everyday of the week, having photos taken around the city at significant monuments and city sights (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Red Square, various bridges). Another common sight here is–fur. I have never seen so many women in full-length furs. Many have been passed down through families, judging by the styles. In a country with little former access to modern materials (I’m talking for the masses, not the folks living in the bigger cities) it’s easy to understand why fur is the warmest choice. I’ll stick to my Gortex and/or down options, but it’s interesting to see how another part of the world stays warm.
I wish you the warmest New Year ever. May you find Health, Peace, Joy, and Serenity.
We received your warm holiday wishes 2 days ago! Thank you so very much! I will let Ashley know that you wrote – she is down in TX now. We think of you often as we have dear friends from St. Petersburg who we are learning from and wish you well over there!
xCj63X I’m not easily impressed. . . but that’s impressing me! 🙂
St Petersburg is a wonderful place–I will blog soon about it! Thanks, Elaine.
Hi Geri, Just finished your second book and really enjoyed it. It was written so well, I felt like I was in Buffalo! Of course, our back to back snowstorms perhaps helped with the snowy feel! Can’t wait for your next book. I’m sure Tami will give that one to me, too. I’m also a fan of Debbie Macomber and your knitting/weaving made me think of so many of her stories. Hope you are doing well. Tami keeps me inmformed of your happenings! Had breakfast with Ryan this morning..only 90 some odd days left in his Plebe year!! Best, Margie Crouse (Tami Dishman’s Mom)
Hi Margie–
So glad you enjoyed What Family Means! You’ll be happy to know that my June release SASHA’s DAD is set in Maryland and includes a scene at the Naval Academy. Of course my characters are having more fun there than Ryan is through his Plebe year. You must be so very proud. You have a beautiful family and it means the world to me that you enjoy my stories. I hope we see each other again sooner than later.
We received your warm holiday wishes 2 days ago! Thank you so very much! I will let Ashley know that you wrote – she is down in TX now. We think of you often as we have dear friends from St. Petersburg who we are learning from and wish you well over there!
xCj63X I’m not easily impressed. . . but that’s impressing me! 🙂
St Petersburg is a wonderful place–I will blog soon about it! Thanks, Elaine.
Hi Geri, Just finished your second book and really enjoyed it. It was written so well, I felt like I was in Buffalo! Of course, our back to back snowstorms perhaps helped with the snowy feel! Can’t wait for your next book. I’m sure Tami will give that one to me, too. I’m also a fan of Debbie Macomber and your knitting/weaving made me think of so many of her stories. Hope you are doing well. Tami keeps me inmformed of your happenings! Had breakfast with Ryan this morning..only 90 some odd days left in his Plebe year!! Best, Margie Crouse (Tami Dishman’s Mom)
Hi Margie–
So glad you enjoyed What Family Means! You’ll be happy to know that my June release SASHA’s DAD is set in Maryland and includes a scene at the Naval Academy. Of course my characters are having more fun there than Ryan is through his Plebe year. You must be so very proud. You have a beautiful family and it means the world to me that you enjoy my stories. I hope we see each other again sooner than later.