Happy Birthday in Russia

today is my 52nd birthday. what a life I've had. It's been a really good one. Full of adventures and never the same from year to year. I wonder what is ahead for next year??? I woke up to lots of birthday wishes. Amy had brought me a card all the way from america, Norma gave me a coke and my roomie made my bed and put the cutest design on it with all of my stuff. I'll send a pic. I had a super cold shower---I'll never get use to that. Bugs were flying in the windows last night. We were picked up at nine and taken to their idea of Wal-Mart-Capitalism has hit russia with a force. We were so excited to see this huge clean wonderful store. We ate breakfast there and are headed back there as soon as we finish here. why do we impart American ideas all over the world?????? do we really all want to be the same. Some deep questions for this shopper to think of on her birthday after a life filled with shopping. We took off for Ryazan State University. this is were Lela is a Dr. of geography and sasha is a Dr. of Computer Science. Dr. Brooks met with the president while they took us on a tour of their offices and class rooms. You may think you haven't heard of this town but the name of the university is after the husband of Isadora Duncan( the famous dancer). It is also the home town of Povlo the famous behavioral scienctist(remember Palov's dog) we all learned that freshman year. this town has 530,000 people. every town in russia has a Lenin Street. We then when to a guys house to see these dolls his wife( who has died made). They were beautiful handmade work and very expensive. I liked seeing an apartment. I've wondered about it. VEry , very small. About 500 sq. ft. Very depressing to my standards--I guess, if I didn't know any different. WE then went to the Kremlin. A Krelim is the old fortress of the city. This city was founded in 1095. WE went in a church from 1698--very old beautiful buildings. About 8 churches in the area. we got to go in a great museum of russian clothing. All the beautiful lace!!!!! Red and beautiful were the same word in old Russian language , so that is why you see so much red in their clothes. WE went to lunch at a wonderful place--it was beautiful and they had a buffet. very good birthday lunch. well you know i've talked way to much about bathrooms on this blog. We have developed a number system to rank bathrooms. This one was a 6. The top score ever. WE all were taking pictures of it. I know those people thought we were crazy, but we were so happy to have something that we are use to. We then went to Alona's school for the Deaf. What a great experience on my birthday--after I've given 30 years of my life to helping children with disablities. I had to speak and they were so interested in what I had to say. I told them that we have really had to work to move children into their spot in the regular class, but to keep on trying because it's best for the child. they treated us like kings and queens. They had a tea laid out for us. what a nice day. I love ya'll and will be home soon. Thanks for all my birthday wishes.