Happy Birthday to Izzy and the villager Gosh Izzy, I'm sure many of the village girls will always remember the handsome tall charming international who had his 15th (or 16th?) birthday during his visit. Look forward to hearing more about your wonderful adventures in Armenia and England and seeing more photos.
What a trip I'm so envious of you guys! This looks like an amazing trip, with amazing sites, experiences, and people. It's wonderful to have it so well documented and shared. Thanks.
Happy birthday Izzy from the Wells Stiewing Fitzsimmons clan! Love reading the blog, of Levon's magical root cellar and hearing of the many adventures, culinary and otherwise... In one day in Iceland, members of our party ate whale, pony and kangaroo. For some strange reason, they passed up the sheep brains terrine. We're home now, post jet lag. Sending you all love and wonder- xxxooo
armenian house building guide ..enjoyed Gale's email alot! thanks..and happy birthday Izzy!..this building entry must be from Sam?...cool to see the Armenian process...laying of the pipes makes lots of sense to me.....today is the 7th day of 90's..finally storms tonight should cool things off!
same here My congratulations to you as well, Gayle, that labor business isn't easy! My daughter Sara has a friend from Russia and the friend's mom gave me a present on Sara's birthday - and I hadn't even met her at that point! I asked Sara why, and she replied 'for having me, I guess'. So, happy Izzy's birthday to you! -- Ann (Sam's sister)
I think I'm being inspired by Levon to carve out a basement in WV-land, limestone is pretty soft, right? I have almost 50 years until I'm 94 after all -- Ann
Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday Izzy! I don't know if it is your 16th birthday, but if so, maybe you can take over the driving from Melik (just don't bring his driving habits home) -- Ann (Wren and Anna's Auntie)
Way to blog Gayle! Thanks for taking a crack at blogging. It's good to get your take and a picture of Izzy with his present: the sports-peace-ball in minituare. The full size version must be in Cullman somewhere. Anyway, I'm not surprised your entry tells the story of the Armenian tunnel-diggin-grotto man. And he's still not tired of digging. I bet it's amazing. Is it cool down there, too? He should be made an honorary citizen of Alabama, or given the key to Gordo. Anyway, I can't wait to welcome you back home; but make sure to enjoy your last few days in Armenia. Looks like the trip has been just wonderful. Thanks to all for the blog. It's been fun to read the entries and the comments.
This is great, reading what you all have been experiencing, impressive that everyone has been doing all this hard work in hot conditions. But all these buckets of concrete--do they not have wheelbarrows in Armenia?
I second that previous commentor about Stuart getting a pair of pointy toed Armenian shoes!
Hope you all have a speedy and safe return.
congrats! That is great that you got to the end of the cement job by your last day. That house will probably last forever - perhaps Hovsep will raise his kids and grandkids there too. You all deserve new shirts with extra long sleeve to accomodate your extra long arms. -- Ann
Dudes! Wow. That's all I can say. What a place to be. Y'all make the world seem like a community.
Hey Steuart, you write good!
Cookout tonight at Bobby and Tooey's. I guess y'all won't make it this time.
thank you! hello all, especially to Sam as we celebrate our 5th anniversary from across the world...I got caught up on all your pictures today..they are so great! its still very hot here...I'm working on camp stuff today, love, kappy
Go Big Brother Stuart! Nice to have a brother to look out for you, eh, Wren? I'd love to hear more about the party. So cool that you get to go out with local folks. How's everyone's health? -- heat plus the trots plus cement hauling has got to be pretty grueling.
Let's hear more from the rest of y'all...Fun to get different perspectives.
Romey
fun summer Hey crew. I bet the next time you pass by a constuction site and they are pouring 8 to 10 yards of cement in about 20 min. it will make your work and time warp into Armenia mean that much more.
It sounds like next year we all need to go to WV and work at Ann and Tonys, painting and grounds maintenance. That comment was for the Droege crew but if the others there want to come along I am sure it would be ok. They would have to bring there own bucket. You all have fun and check out Barretts web site I think he will be adding pics of him on fire that are real cool. He just toasted his ears a little bit. Ferae says hey
A face for your name, Leo A message for Leo: Looks like you've got a great team working with you there. I am glad you are working Melik hard though he's still smiling! I am envious of all of you being there! To make do I am working on a build here...framing for a 4-plex. Totally different than building there but I'm getting in good "working order" for my trip. Count down for me, 12 days to touchdown in Armenia....
a full day It isn't every day that you are doing heavy duty manual labor (benign though it may be) in the morning and then go to the ballet at night - I hope you had time to get the cement out of your hair! Stay safe, don't trip on any exposed rebar, and don't say the wrong thing to the wrong person and wind up a bride (or groom!)in a wedding procession! -- Ann P.S. Thanks for the pictures - I love them.
Hey guys!
We are here in Armenia from July 12th to July 26th. We will keep you updated on our Armenian adventures with entries and photos. See you soon!
Sincerely,
Wren, Sam, Anna, Stuart
P.S. Leave a message for us because we want to know what we're missing in America!... full info
Aunt Dorah
non-member comment
Happy Birthday to Izzy and the villager
Gosh Izzy, I'm sure many of the village girls will always remember the handsome tall charming international who had his 15th (or 16th?) birthday during his visit. Look forward to hearing more about your wonderful adventures in Armenia and England and seeing more photos.