Back to our Apt, safe and sound!

Yes we are settled once again. Actually I even slept on that old train last night, gotta like that. We left Odessa in a snow storm and had a bit of trouble getting to the train. Sergei said it was pretty rare to get snow, they actually have winters with no real snow at all. I would say by what I witnessed leaving there this must be true. For sure very few bother with snow tires. There was a stretch of traffic over 2 km's long heading into Odessa, 3 to 4 cars wide. Some of the poor folks were pushing and trying to make it but it looked like a loosing effort. Anyway we finally made it, and I just want to thank the folk there for their hospitality. I previously named them all. A work team was arriving from New Bruswick as we were leaving so all the best to them as they begin their stay in Odessa.
We have a beautiful day here today, sunny but very cold, - 11 or so. I want to take the opportunity to congradulate my son Ryan on his latest music ventures. I was in conversation with my sister last evening and she shared an article that she found for me via the news service. Apparantly a gentleman was covering the recent ECMA's, I forget his name, but anyway he said that at each awards time someone catches his eye in behind the scenes and this time he said that Ryan and his band really left an impression on him. He even predicted that come next year he wouldn't be shocked if Ryan Cook and company were headlining along with the likes of Lenny Galant and folks. Now I realize this is one guy's opinion but I must say I was impressed that he did get noticed and acknowledged. Now the bar has been raised a bit I would say, so don't quit doing what your doing Ryan, Good luck my son. As another interesting side note Ryan found out that a country station in Alberta somewhere had recieved his cd. They liked it , started playing it, anyway as of a few days ago the cd was 6 th on their top 10 list of most requested. Enough of me tooting my own son's horn but I just had to do it.
As far as our upcoming plans , not much until Monday as this is the end of the 10 day waiting period. We then head off to Kiev to get Nadya's passport together at the Canadian Embassy. Hopefully it all goes easy as we are booked to head for Toronto on Sun. the 4th. We did hope to get some pic's posted while in Odessa, but it didn't happen. We will try maybee once again, but it may have to wait till we get home. Anyway I suppose thats enough for now, Debbie may have something to say later on today?? I guess I have to admit I can almost taste home now and our journey does look as though it is winding down. I'm trying not to think about it too much because it just makes me want it all the more. By the way Sam, Ryan's website is at the very bottom of our blog, check it out. I really can say now that this has all been worth it. When I catch my little Nadya giving me one of those tootless, teasing grins I just breath deep and thank the Lord that I have been given this opportunity. I know I'll be that daddy that she never had, I see it more and more every day.
All the best to everyone, love Randy