Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005 [see new photos posted]
I sent the following e-mail to my brother tonight:
Alesia and I were driving home from dance class tonight and she looked up at
the moon. It was a half moon.
She said "How you call that moon?"
"It's a half moon." I replied.
"No, how you call?"
"Well, we have crescent moon, half moon, full moon," I blathered,
trying to remember all possible moon terms.
Alesia said, "In Russia we see moon too."
I had no reply to that.
"How many moons?"
I thought this was odd. I explained again about the half moon, full moon,
etc.
Alesia sighed with great exasperation.
"NO! How MANY moons?"
"I don't understand what you're asking."
"How many!" she cried, frustrated.
Finally, it dawned on me and I couldn't help laughing.
"Sweetie, there is only ONE moon. Same moon we see here is the one you
saw in Russia."
"Really?"
"Yep. Same one. Same sun, too."
I couldn't see her face but I sensed skepticism.
"Really. I promise. Just ONE moon."
I told Mother about the moon remark while Alesia was showering. She laughed.
Later, I said, "But you know, it's sort of sad. When I was 14 I was no
whiz at science, but I knew there was just one moon and sun. Some of the things
she says are just so incredibly naive. She is genuine, though. Her ignorance is
astonishing sometimes.
She had no idea Russia was ruled by Tsars for hundreds of years, or by the
communists until just before she was born. I showed her "Dr. Zhivago"
hoping she would understand better.
She is totally ignorant of government. If she weren't so good at computers,
numbers, and all things mechanical I would fear she was not intelligent.
If you want to catch up on us, I've copied my latest 2 journal entries
below. Alesia also said some funny things at the beach.
Mother tried driving after I got home yesterday, but said it was really
painful. She drove around the neighborhood, grimacing a lot. We will try again
next week. She is anxious to drive.
My friend Maria's mother - same age as Mom, but a fitness buff, walks an
hour a day, rides horseback, etc. - fell last weekend and broke both wrists.
She won't let her husband hire nurses, only wants Maria to help her. Very big
burden to place on Maria - I feel sorry for her.
We are getting azaleas planted in the front bed, and pansies. The grass in
back looks terrific. I can't wait for you to see all the improvements.
OXOX
Dee