This segment of the Oasis has come to an end

I just clicked on the blog and realized I haven't blogged in MONTHS. As most of you know, I am HOME!!! A couple of months of travel and, like it or not, I have to get a job and start working again in January.

It has been great seeing friends and family this past couple of months. Traveling the U.S. was just what I needed to put this past year in perspective. We undoubtedly live in the most magnificent and beautiful country in the world.

I've been back in MD for a week or so, cleaning, and opening mail. With that done, I got to an opportunity to do something that I adore...CRAFT. I just completed my Xmas cards tonight and tomorrow I'm on to a Thank You card and a glass etching project. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

Until then, here are some pics of my Grand Dogs:

Just when you thought the place was the same 'ol same 'ol

I bought a new camera that 'geo tags' the pics when you take them and files them on my computer according to the GPS coordinates where the pic was taken. Needless to say, I carry it everywhere with me, just in case. Today it paid off. As we left post, I glanced at the side of the road and look at what I saw. My first wild camel spotting! Just a few yards from them in an area that I guess you would call an 'oasis' was a herd of sheep. We had to turn around and go back so I could snap a couple of pics. Unfortunately, this country, and their critters are all beige, so the sheep in picture 1 are a little difficult to spot.

Spring is Over

I am going to assume that Spring is over in Doha.  It's currently 108 degrees out and climbing.  Now the true test begins.  How quickly can I make it from the house to the car, the car to the building, and building to building?  I wanted to lose some more weight and I think this might just do it.

We have all of our required staff on the ground again and after a couple of weeks of settling in, we should be back to normal operation.  OK, I know I am expecting a lot, so I'll say, as close to normal as this place is going to get.

I went to Macaroni Grill for dinner last night and had Mozzarella Caprese and some Eggplant Parm.  It was amazingly American/Italian.  I'll have to add this to my best places to eat list.

My New Friend

I have run into my first official desert creature. The medics wanted to name him 'Splat' but I stopped them from stomping his slithery self into the sand.

Back in Doha

Hi everyone!  I have been back in Doha for a week and it's like I was never gone.  I hit the ground running and haven't stopped since the plane door opened.

The pics above show a little of the normal Doha.  Apparently they had a sizable rain while I was gone.  Instead of wading in and moving the SUV, they left it until the puddle dries up.  I've seen that truck sit there for 7 days now.  Must be nice to not need your vehicle.  The second pic shows you that some companies are everywhere, even in Doha.  I haven't seen a Ready Mix truck in ages.  

While I was away, they moved us into new quarters.  I suppose the old saying, "be careful what you wish for", is in order here.  I hadn't been in the new place 36 hrs and the sewer backed up into my bathroom and was making a trail for the bedroom.  The maintenance people are 'diligently' working on the issue.  Did anyone detect a high rate of sarcasm there?  They also didn't get my internet hooked up while I was gone.  For those of you that know me, that was totally unexceptable.  I can live with sewer water, but no internet?  I think not!  I went to Qtel and got an air card so I now have internet anywhere I want it.  Ha!  Take that!

I have a new focus/project to work on during my one day off.  Alexus (my granddaughter) sent me Flat Alexus (based on the children's book, Flat Stanley) to take around my city and to show her the sights.  I'll be posting pictures of her adventures.  So far she's ridden a camel, held a falcon, got henna tatoo on her hand, drank tea while sitting on a pillow under an Arabian tent, and gone to the air base and visited some friends.  We have an exciting week planned ahead, so stay tuned for updates and pictures.

I'll also be posting some pictures of the new crib (hopefully minus the sewer water).  The people here really try to be western and modern, but quality control and good contractors are unheard of.  Things make look elegant on the service, but when you look a little deeper.....

Moving right along...my next post will have pics of my little Flat Alexus enjoying her vacation with MeeMaw.  See yall soon!

Back With Family

After quite an ordeal, I'm back at home with the family.  Sister and I left VA after my dental appointments, and hit the road about 1900.  We had time to talk, catch up, and get straight goofy as exhaustion set in.  "Look at the pretty sparkly thing".   Only she and I will know what that means, but trust, it's funny.  I'll be posting pictures soon.

Last Day Before Leave

I didn't think this day would end. I did manage to get some work done, pass an inspecion, and say goodbye to some folks that will be gone when I get back. It's amazing how quickly relationships can grow and how attached you can get. I am glad I discovered Facebook. It will be a great way to keep track of new found friends.

Just some of the crew:






-- Post From My iPhone

Packing

I'm home from work and packing for the trip. I can't sleep because I'm so excited. At least I'm putting the time to good use.

I am not only packing to go home, but they will be moving us while I am gone. I am finally out of the villa on the tough side of traffic. We will all be living in a newly finished compound with the amenities of a 5 star hotel and much, much closer to work and less traffic.

Speaking of traffic, this is what I look at every day for at least an hour:






-- Post From My iPhone

I'm Coming Home

The test post works so I'll be able to update more frequently on my life in the Middle East.

First, and most importantly, I'm comin home on leave!!! I arrive at Dulles on Sunday 15Mar09. It will involve some sleep, medical/dental appointments, taxes and other business, and some time with friends and family. To say I am excited is an understatement.

Now, back to the Middle East. This section will give me an opportunity to see if I can also post pictures from here.

A visit to the Souq and eating on the floor.




-- Post From My iPhone

Update

I am sorry I haven't updated recently. Apparently when you blog on a foreign server, the langage changes. My default language goes to German in an Arabic country. Go figure. But, alas, I have found Blogger for my iPhone. We'll see how this goes.


-- Post From My iPhone