2010 - Beginnings and Endings

2010 has been a year of beginnings and endings for me.

The ending of life for my dear Marlowe, a nephew who was like a brother to me. The world lost a good one. At the same time, the birth of my first grandchild, Maddex Eli Palamar, who has stolen my heart like no other...

The end of life for Lasfar, my camel companion, who was so dear to my heart.

And recently, the birth of a new baby lamb, and the purchase of a young male goat - who I have bonded with, and who loves to be pet.

Another beginning - the beginning of a new friendship in Douz - Wenda from Amsterdam who not only speaks English, but whom I know we will become great friends!

And finally, the building of my home in Hnesh, where my animal family; camel(s), goats, sheep, chickens, and soon to be ducks (they eat scorpions) and a dog will live with me!

I've attached just a couple of photos of my house in process - for a sneak preview. The rock wall on the south side of the house - complete, just needing mortar now. This rock wall is my pride and joy. It is about 1 1/2 feet thick to insulate from the heat in summer, and is built the traditional way - VERY labour intensive. Also an inside view of my bedroom and kitchen.

Inshallah, I will be moved in by the end of January. The crunch is on!!! My next blog will be the house completed!

In memory of Lasfar Camel

Lasfar, you were the best camel anyone could ever own. I loved you from the moment I met you, over three years ago, with your cute fuzzy sticky-out ears, big brown eyes... I knew then that I had to have you.



You would come to me when I called you - unheard of for a camel - and when I called you amidst hundreds of camels, I could always find you - you were the camel who lifted his head and turned to me when I called " Laaaaasfar".



When I was down, or lonely (I know it sounds like a song...) you listened to me with your big brown long-lashed eyes quietly looking into my own. I could see my face reflected in your huge eye as you watched me watch you.

When I rode you in the desert and I talked to you, your ears would tilt back to hear my voice...

You were goofy and gentle.




You LOVED food, and when we were walking in the desert, you would watch for any second when I wasnt looking to snag a mouthful here and there. Of course I pretended I didnt see, and only when we were getting behind, did I pretend to get mad and say - come on - let's go...


The guys would tease me in the desert by calling "Laaaasfar" - copying how I called you.

You knew me... You loved me.... And you knew I loved you.

There will never be another camel like you. My heart will always have a huge two-ton hole in it.


Thank you for blessing my life and adding so much richness and joy. You were a gift to me.

Missing you...

Juanita

Eid ick Mabrouk, 2010

Finally it is Eid. It has been the longest Ramadan for me - from Aug 10 to Sept 10. Temperatures often 50 degrees, my social life dribbling to almost non-existent.

But finally it is Eid.

The first photo is of the route to where my new house is going to be.

The other photos are scenes from my life during Eid.

Enjoy, and Eid ick Mabrouk...

Love, Juanita