Brightwood Lights

Finally, after much, Much, MUCH anticipation. . . Simona started Kindergarten!

School was supposed to start on Monday, but because of power outages, the city schools were closed on Monday and Tuesday. Nothing like two extra days of anxiously awaiting the start of school . . .

Simona received her “Schultuete,” which kids typically receive when they enter first grade as a mark of their official transition to being school kids. Since Kindergarten is the start of elementary school here, she received it today.

After opening it to find some candy and a few small gifts inside, she and I walked over to the school. She was a bit nervous and cried briefly, but then she stopped and shyly went to find her cubby and then her name card on one of the tables. She has 23 students in her class. (There are two Kindergarten classes at her school.) When I left, I looked over my shoulder to see her waving hello to the girl seated next to her. And then I cried the whole walk home- partly out of sadness and partly out of pride that my little girl is growing into a sweet big girl.

By the time I picked her up, she was all smiles. Looks like school year 2011-2012 is off to a good start!

Earthquakes, hurricanes, and a Gran Prix- what a welcome!

We have now been residents of Baltimore, Maryland (or Bawlmer, Merlun, as the locals say), for all of two weeks and have had some excitement!

We spent a week in DC at the beginning of August and then lived in a corporate rental apartment for a week while we awaited the arrival of our belongings, but on August 13, we finally moved into our new (rental) home.  The days have been filled with boring errands: Target, LONG waits to get new drivers’ licenses, license plates, parking permits, etc.; unpacking; and getting our bearings in our new city.  Simona is registered for school, and Nancy is enrolled in an Anatomy & Physiology course at a local community college.  Both of them start next week.

Mother nature, though, is ensuring that we don’t get too bored!  We were all startled by the earthquake here on Tuesday, and we’re hoping to avoid too much impact from the approaching Hurricane Irene.  Baltimore also hosts its first “Gran Prix” auto race over Labor Day weekend, which is sure to bring crowds, noise, and traffic to our part of town.

More to come, with a picture update to follow.