Winter will not let go

We are now nearly at the end of March but will not leave us alone. It is slowly thawing and there are puddles everywhere, but we continue to get snow flurries which can be most unpleasant. Last year when I went home the snow disappeared in the week I was away, but unless something drastic happens there will be snow on the ground when I get back. However, there are some small brave signs of spring. Here are the first signs of bulbs coming up at church.

The bulbs are very pale from lack of light, but they are safe and sound and coming up!!

One of the views I have wanted to photograph for sometime is the city at night. Many buildings that look quite ordinary during the day look rather beautiful at night because they are uplit. I have had to wait till dusk to try and take these photos. Not brilliant but they give you an idea.

The Mayor's office

We took the children to the Cosmonaut Museum today. We were offered an English speaking guide which was useful as I learnt more about the exhibits. Here are some more photos of the place.

Leika was the first animal in space and this is a replica of the rocket she was put in.

Belka and Strelka were the first animals to go into space and back again. This is Strelka. She lived for 16 years after her adventure. Belka went on to have six puppies and one was sent to the wife of the US President. My photo of Belka didn't come out.

 This is a mock up of Yuri Gagarin's capsule. This window is where the escape hatch he ejected from was. It is incredibly small.

Later came the Soyuz rockets. Look how basic the controls are. Again it is tiny.

I have been asked to sit on the church council again for the coming year and I have said yes. AGM is on Sunday.

I fly home on the 31st March so this might be my last blog for a few weeks. See you soon.