Day 70

Was reassured today after a frank conversation with HR personnel. Though it will take time to see if anything will pan out and steps taken to correct the fiasco experienced. I was told that we (foreign staff) are wanted and I have no reason to doubt it. Only that it is difficult to fully accept such a statement when the events have occurred in the manner of their choosing. I guess there needs to be better dialogue in future. But the contract situation needs to be resolved very quickly.

Rapidly heading towards the holidays (Nauryz) and so placed another internet shopping order. Not wanting to panic buy, but we have little idea how available shops and transportation will be during this period. It sounds like there will be lots of crazy celebrations. So will be interesting to see if we can join one of them for an hour so as not to stress the children. At least it is not like the Festival of Colours in India (Holi), but maybe I could through some coloured powder and see what happens...

Temperatures are finally hitting the postive centigrade part of the scale, but only during the day. Leaving the snow and rain to freeze overnight and leaving us with an ice skating rink where ever we go. Have to develop a silly walk mixed with a shuffle in order to limit slipping. Not sure I could get a grant from the Ministry of Silly Walks though.

Small success; Rebekah managed to scoot with both feet off the ground. I've only been trying to get her to do this for about a year!

Ray