Ivan finishes Winter

Zdrasvootsya Comrades,
Yesterday brought the end to W and the beginning of Spring. Two years ago today when we arrived Vlad had the biggest Spring snow in 133 years so we will see how this goes.
Yesterday our neighbors brought over a bowl of Blini's (thin pancakes) stuffed with apples and meat-not mixed. That is traditional for this holiday. They, Sergey and Ellie (Elvira) have one 9 yr. old daughter. I think they are pretty typical of the more modern Russian. They are the ones that were attacked the other night. The newsman is an old school mate of hers. He has called since and wanted to know if the Ameriki's are alright, not scared. We had a nice visit with them. His Eng. is ok and she understands much of what is said.
He is an unemployed diver and she works for the power company. They said because of the rough economics many are leaving Vlad to go to Moscow and ST. Petersburg. Many poor from Uzbek, China etc. are filling in and taking over all the lower paying jobs. Also the criminals that were sent to jail 10 years ago during those horrible days of the Soviet breakup are now finishing up their 10 year sentences and have the locals very nervous.
This week I hope to connect up with their daughter's school (right next door), a tech Uni. and a gifted school (I think International Baccalaureate), along with 8-10 classes at my present uni. Still no Eng. club for Annette and I to start-no room during the day.
Jan, Karyn and Annette continue to get surprise schedule changes everyday they go for Russian lessons. Mainly a lack of classrooms. They purchased a white board and markers for the Uni. so their teacher can write on something.
Meeting was small today but wonderful-just Jan and I.
Paka paka Ivan Morrie