Hi! Welcome to my blog.
My name is Irina (the first letter is read like a short sound). A beautiful name. It means peace.
I live in Russia, in the city of Orenburg. It has population slightly more than half a million. It is on the river Ural, which divides Europe and Asia. I love the city and this rather narrow river too.
I am forty eight. A wonderful age. I love every year of those forty eight.

I am married for twenty six years. My husband’s name...

Wow! that was the fastest week ever. Had a wonderful visit with my niece (my brother's daughter) and learned some colorful German words and phrases! Spent time on the water at the lake, did some day trips....nice!

So, one of my sisters was in a bad situation when she was young and ended up putting her daughter up for adoption. It's 22 years later and she and her daughter have gotten in touch over the last year. They have visited, talked on the phone, email ..... BUT, her daughter...

If you're ever in a situation where you feel a sneeze coming on, and you'd really rather not, just say "watermelon" (out loud... mumbled quietly to yourself... or even just mouth the words without saying anything at all) and the problem is solved. No sneeze.

My son taught me this (kids know the coolest things) and I've tried it about 3 times so far, with success each time. It came in handy just the other day when I was in a training meeting for work. I quietly mumbled watermelon...

Take a moment of time....... and think about it.
Was it what you thought it would be?
Was there a silent night? Were birds in flight?
Had the boats headed out to sea?
Did you look at the sky, as the clouds drifted by?
Did you stare at the ocean and cry?
On one windy day....you were taken away......
without notice, nor mention.......God why?

As we walked on the sand.....and the chill
slightly came. Did you know it would be our
last...

A Poem of Summerings.........

Liberty on September 11th

This day will live forever, as the day the earth grew still.
As the sounds arose around us, like a deep and vile drill.
What kind of faith partakes the earth, with hell and terror, and flame?
Where is their sense of wisdom?
What is their sense of shame?
What moves one into anger, that would hurt with so much pain?
Who would fight a war of evil that would always be in vain?
...