92 Degrees and Climbing

I mentioned earlier in the week that summer was going to hit in full force. Well, here are a couple of signs showing just that. Yes, 92 degrees on this last day of February. I know it's way to early to start complaining, but it's the news of the hour. Note the curtains below that the NEW Madina Khalifa grocery has installed outside their windows and doors to ward off the killer sun. When I find the OLD store, I'll let you know.

Since we're on the subject of new and old, I found this pic in my archives.

Same here...I'll let you know when I find the not so modern dry cleaners.

Side note: David and I had breakfast at American Grill this morning and ran into the Stevemeister! Remember, the D.C. guy that was moving here with his family? He recognized me from the blog and introduced himself. What a small world . Welcome to Doha!

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Doha Rolls Out the Classics

Not much to report today, so I'll just leave you with a few pics. David and I took a ride out to The Pearl this morning to check out the classic Rolls Royce collection on display. When we arrived they were already lined up to drive off the island to their next destination. We were able to get a glimpse of them, but my favorite was not the four wheel classic. It was the beautiful catamaran moored in the bay.






I thought these trees were pretty cool, too!




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Google This!

Google, my friends, is an amazing tool. When I'm in my easily entertained mode, which is all the time these day, I start Googling totally random things. I Googled my "screen name" or the name I tend to use when registering for anything on the web, and found nearly every sight I had ever registered with. Now, that is scary. The lesson in this is, if you're ever at a site that you do not want what is known as THE WORLD WIDE WEB (aka EVERYONE in the WORLD) to know, for heaven's sake make up a unique screen name, not one that people associate with you. I'm just trying to keep down the embarrassment factor, folks. I thought I'd visit DrRuth.com to make an example of someone so that you could see what I'm talking about, but as Qatar sees fit that site is blocked. Darn, no Dr Ruth tutorials today. It really could have gotten interesting. So whether you are seeking sexual, psychological, medical or whatever intervention, please be aware of who's peeking in at you (now that I've shared my secret with the world). I hope using that "s" word doesn't get my site blocked. As they say, Big Brother is watching. Chop, chop, get to Googling!



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Bonjour!

Today, February 25th, is the day that our oldest, Shea, heads to Germany for a pit stop, before moving on to Africa for his Embassy stint. His pit stop has turned into a two month stay, which has answered our question of what to do with the other three kids for spring break. Paris, anyone? It was on our bucket list of places to go eventually, and the army did provide Shea with intense language training in French, so what better place to put it to the test. A three hour train ride for Shea, a twelve to fourteen hour plane trip for the kids (layovers, ugh), and a six to seven hour one for me and David puts us all together for a rare gathering. We can't finalize anything until Shea actually gets to Stuttgart and finds out what his role will be for the next two months. Probably at most, he will be able to spend the weekend with us, but we'll take what we can get. After a few days in Paris, maybe a stop in Switzerland before making our way to Germany? Who knows what the plan will be and I have just a tad over two weeks to put the "unknown" into play. The only thing I know for sure is that it won't be made until the last possible moment, because clicking that "confirm" button, or not clicking rather, is one of my weaknesses. Commitment is totally overrated. Au revoir!




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Qatari Cat Showdown

Is it time for a cat showdown here in Doha? Just in case it is, I have an answer for my fellow blogger's thobed cat.


I've had this one in my archives a while, not knowing what to do with it. But now I have to answer Qatari blogger, Kei, at "I Love Qatar" with the female version. Party on!


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Pool Time

It's that time of year, pool time. I made my way down there early this afternoon for my seasonal debut. I have to say it was very nice. The temps were perfect and there was a steady light breeze. I brought a book to read, but instead just laid back and absorbed the smell and sounds. I was also a little tired because a representative of the Qatar Tribune rang my doorbell at 5:50AM to personally hand me my newspaper. Of course, I was in a dead sleep just prior to the ringing and I just couldn't wrap my brain about what was going on. I mean, usually a little guy on a motorcycle drops it on my steps every morning around 10:00. I thanked him and he was on his way. It dawned on me a while later that this newspaper was meant for my neighbors that just subscribed to the paper this weekend. You know, the ones that won my car. The Tribune usually personally delivers the first paper, and this one was quite special of course, since it had their picture in it regarding the car giveaway that I didn't win. Ok, I'm still trying to get over it. Anyway, back to the weather. It should be just about perfect from now until June when it starts getting a wee bit on the warm side. So until then, I might just be reporting to you poolside. Hasta la vista, baby.

This weeks weather offerings


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The Luck of the Draw

My weekly conversation with David on Saturday nights for the last three months after subscribing to the Qatar Tribune and entering their lucky draw promotion for chances to win mobile phones, laptops, lcd tv's, cars, and cash goes as follows:

"Tomorrow's the day dear. I'll get my call after the 6:00pm drawing!"

Conversation with David on Sunday nights, 9:00pm for the last three months:

"That's ok, they're holding out on me, waiting for the grand prize draw on February 22, before they pull my number."

Last night:

"Tomorrow's the last draw! A Chevy Lumina with my name on it, or perhaps the grand prize of 7500QR monthly for a year. Hmmm, that would be nice."

Today at noon:

Ring, Ring...Ring, Ring. "Sybil? It's your next door neighbor. Are you sitting down? I just got a call from the Qatar Tribune and I won a car!!!!"

Here's the kicker. Margaret and Jim subscribed to the Tribune yesterday! I've been in the draw for three months, them for one day. They've been in this country for three weeks! All whining aside, CONGRATS, YOU LUCKY CANADIANS! EH?


I had tea with Margaret last week and labeled her a princess. I may have to change that to "Lady Luck".


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Construction: Keep Out?

I said I was taking the day off, but I'll just do a "mini" instead. Just thought I'd show you what construction sites do to control access to their areas while work is in progress. They build a fence around it, of course! I'm not sure who or what it keeps out, but this one actually looks better than the norm around here.

This one, not so good.


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Dreaming of Baubles and Babes

David and I hesitantly accepted an invitation to attend the 6th Annual Doha Jewelery and Watches Exhibition last night with our neighbors. It didn't really seem like our cup of tea, but we thought, what the heck, we're not doing anything else anyway.We were way out of our price range, but enjoyed browsing the exquisitely prepared expo center with fountains, flowers, chandeliers, and music ensembles in true Qatari fashion. Gorgeous multimillion QR baubles were displayed in endless booths and kiosks for our ogling...a girl can dream, can't she? Apparently guys can, too, as the story goes.

Margaret, my very adventurous next door neighbor, asked a model if she would pose for a picture with her husband, Jim, and she graciously obliged. Next thing you know models were coming out of the woodwork to get in on the action. The guys welcomed the distraction from the jewelry and watches that they weren't paying a bit of attention to anyway. After their "photo shoot", the hubbies seemed to have a little more pep in their step. We won't have much trouble signing them up for the exhibit next year, as I think they've already marked their calendars for the "7th Annual" event.

The models were sweet and beautiful to say the least, and of course, I've changed their names to protect the innocent!


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