Sylvia's Journal

Janneke had the top of her middle toe sliced by the not so very experienced pedicurist at the spa. Luckily it was after the massage so she was very relaxed and had at least had one good experience. But I think it was the last pedicure we will have there. I had been a little concerned about the razor gizmo that was used to remove calluses – luckily I had the more experienced member of the staff and emerged intact.

It was messy because the blood kept squirting out and the stupefied girl was clueless as how to stop it. Everyone got involved and soon there were wads of bloody cotton balls, gauze and what not; until Lisa came upstairs and took over. We drove off to the clinic where she got a proper bandage and a tetanus shot. All is well again.

I left her with Lisa at the clinic and had a drawn out lunch with our boss from Headquarters who is visiting us for a week. We had our lunch at the Galleria so that he could squeeze in some quality shopping time while we waited for the car to come and get us.

Back home I used up all our fresh milk to try to make mozzarella. It was like one of these fairy tales where something good gets exchanged for something less good all the way to nothing. Out of one gallon of the most delicious creamy milk I created a piece of cheese that had the size and taste of an eraser.

M. showed up for another knitting lesson. The 2 meter long scarf for her boyfriend was completed and I helped her put on the final touches and got her started on a matching hat. The wool is so authentic that it is a little scratchy but we hope that the Woolite will help soften it a bit and take the sheep smell out.

And now it is time to finish my preparations for the military conference tomorrow. I still don’t know where I am supposed to show up. The lieutenant commander wrote me, in answer to my query, “Ma’am, unfortunately I do not have a map that would point you into the right direction [he will ask someone else].We will be prepared to meet you at the gate at 07:30.” I am halfway through Obama’s Wars and so was not too surprised about this answer. I guess we will ask around when we get closer to the base, to find out at which of the many gates the gentleman will be waiting for us.