Season of pink wellies

So the thaw has finally started, very slowly, but I am now wearing my pink wellies to work as there several large puddles on the way. My days of walking across the lake, I think, are numbered.

The evening at the British Residency was most pleasant. It was spent standing around drinking and eating tiny mouthfuls. The church council had been invited so I had plenty of people to talk to. Nicolette met me at Sokol metro and we travelled in together. The second part of the evening was a short concert by four welsh people, a pianist, a harpist, a tenor and a lady who did recitation. Corinne, who sings alto at MIC, was there as she is welsh, so we could belt out the alto harmonies in the community singing at the end. I even tried my hand at welsh...not to be recommended!!!

Last week was also Maslenitsa - Butter or Pancake week. So, as well as being assessment week at school, we had all sorts of treats. Monday we had a special assembly with some of the children dancing and singing. Tuesday we had the pony and trap rides. This time we up the side road.

On Wednesday we had bliny or pancakes, for breakfast, lunch and snack. We had so many!!! After a bit you don't want to see another pancake!!

On Friday we had games in the snow to say goodbye to winter. The Russian staff came up with some fun ideas. Here are some of the children enjoying themselves.

While I was out with my camera I took these photos of the playground. They give you an idea of how much snow we have had!!

See saw anyone?

We had to work on Saturday but had so few children in. Peter has been ill with asthma since last week so we didn't too far at the weekend. On Monday I met Tracey so I could take her across the lake before it thawed as she had missed the pleasure. We found this ice pile behind the dipping hole. It was almost like a sculpture.

There were lots of people enjoying the snow.

On the way home I saw this drain pipe which looked amazing.

On Monday we went for supper with Corinne and her husband Richard. They live just north of VDNh and have stunning views of the city from their windows. We had a lovely evening, though it took some time to get home. I must work out how to use the local trains as they are only two stops away.

Tuesday was International Women's Day. I was given some lovely flowers and presents by children from school. Peter and I went tram riding from Voykovskaya and found a big stretch of water where the Moscow River heads west and the canal that joins Moscow to the Volga begins. Though sunny it was too cold for Peter to walk but we plan to go back in the summer.

And so back to school for a three day week.