Spring Blooms

 

The great thaw, one could say, has begun. As the snow melts, little rivers of slush and mud appear and freeze overnight to turn the already challenging stairs into perilous undertakings.

 

 On the plus side, the warmer temperatures have changed the colours of the scenery. Now last year’s grasses peak out from beneath the icy snow.

The spring sun brings out the terracotta, pink, yellow, and baby blue of the houses. In the distance, the grey-blue of the sea blends into the grey-green of the sky. And as the sun sets, the waters shift from silver to gold, shining like scales of a fish. 

 This family doesn't know how much they contribute to my poetic inspirations! Their colourful clothes despite sober surroundings have often caught the fancy of my imagination.

"Men's Day" festivities on February 23rd. Notice the children crawling all over the tank. Former communist headquarters in the background.

"Men's Day" is actually "The Day of the Men who Protect the Motherland from its Enemies"

The good with the bad, as usual. This week started with the bad—another case of food poisoning (this time from milk). Russian diet it was: dried bread and water. As a sort of resurrection, I had a wonderful weekend being given a tour of the nation’s food products by two experts who know what is good and what is ‘not advisable to eat.’  A very pleasant day ended with an adventurous drive over rough terrain to get to the southernmost point of the peninsula.

  

I will never tire of seeing gorgeous sunsets on the Sea of Japan!

 My friend's husband brought me some cod after going deep-sea fishing. I cut and cleaned my first fish! (Thank you to my uncles for their explanation!).

I only added a sprinkle of salt and it was sweet and delicious.