Marina had told us of a wonderful "walking street" which we had begun to think was just a myth, but today we found it! It is several blocks long, closed to vehicular traffic and is lined with stores. It is actually quite nice and sheds a new light on Khmelnytskyi. We took a few representative photos of the fashions we saw, keeping in mind that we must be discreet with the camera.
Ellen tried on more leather and fur - apparently they don't have fake fur in Ukraine, only the real kind. I found a watch that I may purchase. It is inexpensive and employs a swiss mechanical movement, but is manufactured here in Ukraine at the Kyiv Watch Factory.
It was an interesting day with the boys. Thomas has been an angel - today. Matthew was a bit out of sorts and cried much when it came time to end this morning's visit. It was really quite difficult to leave him and will probably only get harder. We showed the boys a picture of our house and Matthew treasures it. He has shown it to every adult in the place at least once, telling them it is his home, with Mama and Papa. He forgets Thomas, but Thomas doesn't seem bothered - he just keeps on talking and singing. It is clear that Matthew has some understanding of what is coming, and like a boy during the 3rd week of December, Christmas can't come soon enough - for all of us.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
These boots are made for walking
Today, there was snow in the air, and boots on the street. We've commented before about the fashion and boots and here's a sampling on a snowy day.
We saw this woman (below) in a store, and later on the street. She is quite high fashion and striking.
Our mothers didn't wear boots like this when they had us out as kids.
We saw this woman (below) in a store, and later on the street. She is quite high fashion and striking.
Our mothers didn't wear boots like this when they had us out as kids.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Shopping Day
We had great visits with the boys. There was light snow and everything was wet so we didn't spend much time outside.
Taking an objective look, it seems we may have two of the loudest kids at the orphanage, and they're full of personality. It promises to be a fun flight back to JFK.
After the morning visit we found a department store and bought the boys shoes and jackets. There's lots more to buy as they leave the orphanage with absolutely nothing except perhaps a pair of undies.
I'd like to get Ellen a coat in the local fashion as they are striking. We found a black leather jacket with a black mink collar and mink cuffs - it was stunning on Ellen. Ellen has an issue with fur so I explained this was mink that had been hit by cars in Vermont but she doesn't believe that. We'll keep looking.
There are a lot of stray dogs here. We saved the meat bones from yesterday's borsch, cut off the meat and gave it to a puppy near the hotel. It's another cutie we'd like to bring home, but we're not sure about the passport photo session.
Taking an objective look, it seems we may have two of the loudest kids at the orphanage, and they're full of personality. It promises to be a fun flight back to JFK.
After the morning visit we found a department store and bought the boys shoes and jackets. There's lots more to buy as they leave the orphanage with absolutely nothing except perhaps a pair of undies.
I'd like to get Ellen a coat in the local fashion as they are striking. We found a black leather jacket with a black mink collar and mink cuffs - it was stunning on Ellen. Ellen has an issue with fur so I explained this was mink that had been hit by cars in Vermont but she doesn't believe that. We'll keep looking.
There are a lot of stray dogs here. We saved the meat bones from yesterday's borsch, cut off the meat and gave it to a puppy near the hotel. It's another cutie we'd like to bring home, but we're not sure about the passport photo session.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Good Morning America
It is colder today. Our cheeks are rosy and we've just ordered borsch and pasta for lunch.
Good visit with the boys this morning. Matthew gave a warmer than usual greeting and Thomas worked hard to melt our hearts some more. We watched concrete piles being driven at an adjacent construction site which fascinated Matthew and his dad.
Big doings - an American couple from Illinois arrived late last night and made their first trip to the orphanage this a.m.
Good visit with the boys this morning. Matthew gave a warmer than usual greeting and Thomas worked hard to melt our hearts some more. We watched concrete piles being driven at an adjacent construction site which fascinated Matthew and his dad.
Big doings - an American couple from Illinois arrived late last night and made their first trip to the orphanage this a.m.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Road Trip!!!
We got another road trip to Krasyliv (another one next week!) this is a shot from the window of the car. We were doing 120km/hr - about 75 mph - on a pockmarked road that would be posted about 40 mph in the U.S. 
This is the municipal building in Krasyliv, on the main square. Note the Americanski woman. She's easy to spot because she is wearing sensible footwear rather than boldly colored boots with spiked heels. The statue of Lenin is just to the right of the photographer.
This is the municipal building in Krasyliv, on the main square. Note the Americanski woman. She's easy to spot because she is wearing sensible footwear rather than boldly colored boots with spiked heels. The statue of Lenin is just to the right of the photographer.
Court, and so much more
We arrived on schedule and waited around for a while in a run down corridor. We met the judge in her office with two witnesses, the prosecutor, orphanage director, member of Tutorial Council (who knows?) and our representative/interpreter, Marina. It was very professional, and somewhat intimidating, but we got through it successfully. Pending completion of the 10 day waiting period, the boys will become Kellys. Then it got wierd. Apparently the paperwork from the good folks of Krasyliv (you remember Krasyliv) didn't actually say they approved the boys for adoption. That meant the orphanage director would not agree this could all move forward...
So, we were off to the Inspectors's office in the dumpy building with Communist Party, then to the notary's office to start the passport applications, then off to Krasyliv.
In Krasyliv we sat in an attorney's office for two hours and watched Marina argue with the inspector we had coffee with last week. It was a pitched battle (all in Russian and Ukrainian)with the outcome never certain. At last we received assurance the proper revisions would be made and sent via fax and mail. Yet again a 30 minute outing with Marina turned into a day without food. We love her but she keeps us hungry and tired.
When we arrived at the orphanage at 4pm, the boys were out getting their passport photos taken. It's pretty much "hurry" or "stop" around here. We had a great visit with the boys and were able to ask lots of questions. So, all in all another great day in Khmelnytskyi oblast (look it up).
So, we were off to the Inspectors's office in the dumpy building with Communist Party, then to the notary's office to start the passport applications, then off to Krasyliv.
In Krasyliv we sat in an attorney's office for two hours and watched Marina argue with the inspector we had coffee with last week. It was a pitched battle (all in Russian and Ukrainian)with the outcome never certain. At last we received assurance the proper revisions would be made and sent via fax and mail. Yet again a 30 minute outing with Marina turned into a day without food. We love her but she keeps us hungry and tired.
When we arrived at the orphanage at 4pm, the boys were out getting their passport photos taken. It's pretty much "hurry" or "stop" around here. We had a great visit with the boys and were able to ask lots of questions. So, all in all another great day in Khmelnytskyi oblast (look it up).
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