quickie

* Old agency has been gracious and forthcoming. Refund of ppr deposit is on the way and I can schedule a time to pick up documents. They've even asked for news and pictures when I adopt.

* I woke up Saturday with the luxurious feeling that comes with knowing I have a whole.week.off. I love that.

* I tried to visit the girls to celebrate birthdays on Saturday, but was thwarted by the Olympic torch. So, I watched the flame instead. Pix later. Mostly, it was a madhouse.

*I did visit the girls yesterday. It was a surprise visit and they tore down the stairs shouting my name after someone spotted my car. I love the "all access" pass that I've earned over my visits. Yesterday I ate lunch with them, watched them sort through donated clothes (very interesting dynamics) in their sleeping room (bright quilts and what looks like new paint), and then had tea and our "party" with them alone.

*I love the way L always takes charge of me and makes sure I know that to do. I love that they take turns trying to make me understand what everyone is asking. Yesterday they figured out what my zholty kneega (yellow book) actually was--an English/Russian dictionary!

* There is a lot of repair work going on that the orphanage. Hooray!! I'm thrilled. There are new window and walls being installed. The girls were excited but didn't like the mess and the smell. They say the repairs will continue through the summer.

*Birthday gifts were well-received. Everyone enjoyed planting sunflowers, eating brownies and ice cream, and getting a blanket for their kookla (doll). The blankets were a big hit. So was taking pictures with my camera.

*I'm paperchasing the rest of this week.