Just Checking In

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Not a lot to report on, but just wanted to jot down some feelings. I had to let Olga go today. She just was not getting it. Her translation was slow and somewhat questionable but the biggest problem was her "spaceyness". Literally in the middle of translation, she would ask some off the wall question not even related to the topic at hand. This happened many times. I did not realize how much time and energy I was spending on her trying to help her. When I had my heart to heart talk with her yesterday, she told me yesterday she thought she could do the job so I allowed her to continue, but told her I was not going to be Mr. Nice Guy and more and that I expected her to keep up. There were several things again today that she knew she did not perform correctly and she finally came to me wanting to know what to do and I told her I think it is best if we separate the contract at this point before I have to fire her, she agreed. Then she wanted a ride home with me. I am thinking she did not want to ride the bus with the other employees, but I did not want to deal with her in the car so I told her she needed to take the bus.

I am glad I had volleyball afterwards to relieve some stress. It is going to be tough not having a translator for awhile, but Michael is willing to loan me his translator as well as his girlfriends speaks (does not write) English very well and is going to assist short term as well. I am thankful I have my feet on the ground. I am not sure if it is going to slow me down or not, I know I will spend a lot more energy on the problem at hand as oppose to Olga so in a lot of ways, I am glad this happened.

It is amazing, but we had sun the past two or three days! I have eaten at the outdoor cafe to enjoy the weather while I can. It is dropping into the upper 30's at night, but warming up into the 60's during the day.

A lady at work gave me this huge zucchine and after hearing and tasting my buckeyes, they all think I can cook. I actually do enjoy cooking if I had the utensils and supplies I needed. I asked my mom for some recipes using zucchine and most sweet things require baking soda and baking powder. Something so simple is not so simple to find. Mom said, it will be with the cake pans and mixes - if we only had an aisle with these items...lol I literally have to go to one store to get pans, dishes, etc. and another one for groceries (at least in Obninsk) and cake mixes, I have not seen any, even in Moscow. I am sure there are, but I had not looked, but they are not as obvious as one would think. My sister found a recipe using Bisquick, which believe it or not, I can get here in Obninsk so I will give it a try. I also asked at work because part of the problem I am sure is that I do not know what to look for. It is not the traditional Arm-n-Hammer, but comes in a small yeast size package.

Just very different and you do not realize how different until you try to buy something or find something. Just like buying dried vanilla. I have not seen liquid vanilla here, but of course in the States, that is all we have. I am going to go to the larger grocery store here in Obninsk to see what I can find. Another strange item for them is shortening. They have liquid shortening, margine and butter; but not Crisco type shortening. When Michael and I were discribing it, they said there was something like that it, but it smells real bad and no one uses it, not even for pie shells. My guess, it is shortening or lard, but is rancid and they do not realize it. They all said they use butter for their pie crust so I guess I will see how that goes and with no pastry mixer, it is going to be more difficult, but for many years, I only used a fork so I know it is possible. I will find a round glass to roll them out then I will have to find a pie pan. Again, basic things are not at your finger tips here.

Some good news for anyone planning on visiting. I just read in the paper that after the first of the year, you do not need a letter of invitation and only to notify the government that you will be in Russia for what time frame. Now, as I am learning, that may be the new law, but that does not mean anyone will follow it or drop their current requirements. Each Region (IE: State) does what they want to, but at least they are moving in the write direction. I am not sure if you will be required to be regristered or not, or just notify the government so we will see.

It is getting late here so I had better head to bed. I hope all is well with you.

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Comments

[Margaret]

Translations
4@>6652>9 this is yeast but I couldn't find vegetable shortening or baking powder or soda

[Margaret]

recipe
Zucchini Jack Casserole -(not Jack Daniels, sorry) 1 lb. zucchini, about 4 small 2 eggs 1/4 c milk 1/2 t salt 1 t baking powder 1 1/2 T flour 1/8 c chopped parsley 1/2 clove garlic, minced 1/2 small finely chopped onion 3 oz can diced California green chili 1/2 lb. Jack cheese shredded (2c) 1/2 c seasoned croutons 1 1/2 T melted margarine Slice zucchini crosswise 1/4” thick, should have about 3 1/2 c. In large bowl beat together eggs, milk, salt, baking powder and flour until smooth. Stir in parsley, garlic, onion, chilies, cheese and zucchini. Spoon into greased 9 x 9” pan. Toss croutons with melted butter and put on top. Bake uncovered at 350° 30-40 minutes or until set and tender. Let stand 10 minutes.

[Jetta]

The Human Ecologist
We did this expirment in college on pie crusts. The crust using only butter will not be as flakey as using shortening. In order to get the best crust you MUST have butter COLD and water COLD. Work fast, since the melting temperature is so much lower than with shortening. All those times mom said don't play with the dough and work fast, this is when you need to really listen to that advise. Also, since butter is only like 85% fat and rest water, you will probably need a little less water than using shortening. It will give the crust better flavor! I usually use half butter and half shortening.

[Gale]

It sounds like so much hard work just to do normal things like cooking. I'm sure you'll find another translator that will do much better for you soon. I can't imagine going through the hardships you face daily. What are the TV programs like there, can you get any that speak English?

[vkramer515]

No English TV
There are no English speaking channels on my cable. I think I could pay extra for the BBC because I know some people have it, but I use the TV mostly for movies and a little music on their version of MTV, but mostly radio here. I did buy a cd for only $3 so I am sure it is pirated.