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Published: October 1st 2006
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Past Full Color
The trees are actually just getting past their full color and the leaves are starting to fall. I can hardly believe it is October 1 already. In some ways, it feels like time has gone so fast and in other ways, it seems like it has come to a stop. I was chatting with one of my friends last night and it really hit me how much I miss you all. I could live in Russia and get along with the many differences, but I could not give up my friends and family I have back home. Thank you to all of you who have written, sent care packages, or even posted comments to the blog. It is so nice to hear from you!
Funny story and it is not about me. Yesterday was the last day of the month and as the Director, I have to sign 15 documents to get my people paid. It is a silly paperwork system here. For example, I had to sign a paper saying my people could get a bonus then I turn around and sign a different one with how much of a bonus they get. Why not have one form? I know, that would be too easy! And everything has to have a stamp on it.
Okay,
From My Office
This is the view from my office window of some of the trees in full color. that is not what is funny, but it was the introduction because that is also when most of my people buy their supplies they will need for the next month. Well, my lab "specialist" as most people are called her, hands me this one for milk. I asked, "Milk?" She said yes for those that work in the lab. At first I am thinking in case of an emergency that someone drinks a chemical or something, but then I see the amount they are requesting so I question her again. She goes on to explain that everyone who is around chemicals are suppose to drink something like 250 ml of milk to protect them from the chemicals. I just laughed. I told her I wanted to investigate it first before signing, but I would get back with later that day.
So I headed over to the safety office and asked our safety manager about it. She confirmed my lab specialist was right so I asked to see the regulation. Yes, there is a "Russian Standard" that you are suppose to drink milk. I just rolled my eyes. I asked our Safety Manager if she really believed there was science
Little Boys
I do not know what the little girls do, but it is amazing how many little boys you see with their parents peeing along the sidewalk. They do not care who is around or where it is at, I guess if the kid has to go, they just help stop and go to the bathroom.
I did not want to be rude and take it while he was going, but this is a picture of the boy and his mother just after they got done. So where do the girls go?
The other thing that is amazing, you will see people (adults) along the side of the road doing the same thing. So far I have timed it well enough I have not had to make an emergency stop...lol behind this to support some regulation from the 1800's and she sat there with a straight face and face and told me about the science and how it protects people. They also believe if you smoke and then eat yogart, the smoking will not hurt you. I told them, people do that to hide the smokers breath, not to do with anything of making smoking safe! But I honestly started laughing when the Manager told me she knew and believed the science behind the regulation. So basic everyone in the plant is provided milk. Just think, this the same country that is building (or has access) to neuclar weapsons...scary!
I had a very busy week. There was a food show in town last week. It was sort of like a small IFT. It was not a bad size show, but I did not get a lot from it but it was helpful to work with our Sales team at our booth. I was only there one day, but I was attending multiple functions in the evening. It was a great opportunity to meet lots of people from around Russia, but I would not get home until 12 or 1
Supermarket
I really like this supermarket. It compared to the ones we have in the US. AM then head to bed to work a full day before going back to Moscow. We also provided the chicken for a big dinner (325 people) so my boss (and me too) wanted everything to be perfect so I had to stay on top of that. I got a huge scare when the chef called and said we sent the wrong stuff. My boss had a fit. I knew we produced the right stuff but did not confirm it was shipped correctly. It ended up our stuff had not even arrived at the restaurant yet so the chef was the one confused. Everything went fine with lots of compliments.
On Friday, we were hosting our American boss and he wanted to see and experience Obninsk. Well, compared to Moscow, there is not much to do in Obninsk but one of the Russian tradition is to do the bona (aka sauna). It is the boss's boss and I was invited, I agreed; but it is not my idea of fun for a Friday evening to go to the sauna with a group from work. When in Russia, do as the Russians do...lol Without going into all of the details, it
Supermarket1
Another view of it but with poor lighting. was a very interesting evening to say the least; but everything worked out fine.
Yesterday, I headed to the supermarket I like so well, called Marktkaf (picture attached). It is a little further out in Moscow, but not as crowded as an Auchan and probably bigger. It also has a hardware store attached to it so pretty much most things you need and the meat looks so much better so I bought a beef roast while I was there that I will put in the oven today. It has my mouth watering already. I hope it is as good as it looks and I think it will taste. I also plan to finish up the zucchini with one last bread/cake. Thank you for all of the help with recipes and conversations. I do not think it will happen today, but I will be baking (or at least attempting) some pies here shortly. Does anyone have a no fail pie shell recipe using butter? I can not find Crisco, but one of the consultants is suppose to be bringing some when he comes, but I may try it with butter. My boss wants a pecan pie and even gave me the pecans for it. Michael says he has Karo, which I have not found yet, but have not really looked for it. I also think a good ol'apple pie would be good and I know I have all the ingredients for that. Just not enough weekends to do all of the baking I want to...lol
I know I am forgetting some things, but I guess this is enough for now and if I think of it later, I will post more. Have a great weekend! Oh yeah, go BUCKS! I did not stay up for the game, but I did see the scores this morning!
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vkramer515
Vince Kramer
I had to ask
Well, I now know what happens when little girls have to go to the bathroom, their mom's hold them while they are in a sitting position ALONG THE SIDEWALK! I just had to ask. Overcast day today, but was still nice to get out and walk. I did find rosemerry seeds so I will grow some from scratch. I sure enjoyed that roast when I got back. Oh did it taste good. Not as good as Mom makes, but the smell as I opened the door made my mouth water and it was good. Baking my zucchini cake/bread now.