Suits

One of the things we most appreciate about living in this culture is the ability to get reasonably priced fabric and tailoring services. This fall it was time for new suits. The boys have outgrown theirs and Tim wears a suit every day so can always use a new one. The process begins by selecting fabric for the suit (usually a lightweight cashmere wool) and a shirt (usually bright-coloured cotton silk). Then everyone chooses a style: we show a magazine picture or flip through the books available and describe preferred tastes.

Then it is time for measurements. Over the years Tim has come to really appreciate the custom-made shirts -- which better fit his need for space at the neck, his long arms, and a slim-but-not-too-slim cut. Max also has very long arms and prefers his jacket to be a bit longer than most.  Simon likes a slim jacket and very slim pants.

A week later we return for a fitting and fine adjustments. And then in another week the suit is ready. The total cost for this experience is 700 QR (about $200) for each suit.

There are several school events that take place each year that require formal dress: Graduation Ceremony, Leavers' dinner, Film Festival. Tim also had a tuxedo made last year for those occasions when he is required to wear one.

School Again

Max and Simon and Tim have had a good first week back at Qatar Academy. Simon is in Grade 8 and Max in Grade 10 of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP). Both boys are happy about their teachers this year.

Max's program has a new course this year called Music Production. This is his Arts elective. It is focused on the technology involved in producing and recording sound. He will be using his skills to help with the school Musical this fall and to assist his Thursday evening Youth Band.

Max also has a "Personal Project" that is part of the Grade 10 MYP. A student can choose to do anything that will change him in a personal way. Max has created a project with a couple of parts. He spent the summer working with Grandad to carve 20 "comfort birds". Now he is working on the next step of his project which is to find a group of people who will receive the birds. Max has learned the skill of carving and is now doing research into the therapeutic benefits of touch, the cultural influences of wood, and the health issues in Qatar.

Fried Eggs

When we returned to Doha, we were surprised to see a nest outside the boys' bedroom window. A Mourning Dove sat on the nest for most of the time.  We did notice that the parent Dove would leave the nest in the middle of the afternoon when the sun shone on that side of the house. He/ She would fly to the neighbour's house and watch the nest from a shaded spot.

We wondered how the eggs would survive the 45 degree heat...... It would appear that they did not. The incubation period for doves is 2 weeks. We have been here for more than two weeks and there are no "squabs" to be seen. The nest seems to have been abandoned and the eggs seem to have an unusual colour -- maybe partially hard boiled?

Settling In

Tim hanging a new clothesline in backyard

We have been back in Doha for two weeks and it has been very busy. Getting settled back into our home and routines is fun and exhausting.

Lisa has started back at work at the University of Calgary; the students returned this week and classes have started. Tim has been busy with the arrival of 57 new teaching staff and families. He made several trips to the airport and we have hosted a couple of dinner parties. The full staff of Qatar Academy returned this week and are doing preparations for the students' arrival next week.

Simon putting together frames mad for their artwork

Overgrown Weigela

Simon and Max start school next Sunday. They have been keeping busy with basketball practices twice a day, doing chores around the house, and the occasional day at the Mall going to movies.

It is still too hot to spend any length of time outdoors but we have made a couple of trips to the Clubhouse pool. Soon we will be able to be out in the backyard reading and gardening; the jasmine and weigela are out of control.

She's back!

After a long summer at the Cattery, our cat Muppy is very happy to be reunited with us! And we are enjoying her company also. Muppy spent the summer in her own little air-conditioned condo with a window looking over the dog kennel and a small door to her own play space.

She has taken a few days to re-adjust to our home -- sharing her space with the four of us. She came back to us as healthy as we left her and just as vocal! She is a bit more cuddly than before though -- a change we are happy to have!  After Muppy's back leg was amputated in March she became more mellow and has continued to be a more cuddly cat. She even will let Max rub her belly now!! This is an amazing accomplishment for Max -- she mostly used to chase him upstairs and bite his heels.

Comings and Goings

At the end of every summer we return overseas to work and leave our families and friends in Nova Scotia. We have done it enough that "The Last Day" now has its own traditions. The Selig family gets together for a meal -- sometimes a turkey dinner but this year pizza -- then takes a final family photo. This process can be great fun and is usually full of laughs.

After the photo we load all our luggage into a vehicle (or two). Then we spend a last few minutes reminiscing about the summer's activities. The hardest part, of course, is when it is time for hugs and goodbyes. In our travels we have met many people that have no relationships with children, siblings, or parents. We no longer dread the goodbyes, but welcome the tears as a reminder of how blessed we are to have a close family.

Returning to Doha also has its traditions: managing the luggage in taxis, putting batteries back in the cars, getting a few groceries to survive the first day, unpacking clothing and special new items. This week our transition was made easier because of our housekeeper, Vergie. She had made us Filipino pancet (noodles) and bought the few groceries we needed. She had washed our vehicles and tidied the house ready for our return. Then she helped with putting away clothing and re-organizing cupboards.

25 Years!

On July 23 Tim and Lisa celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary. It was a milestone to remember and the whole family celebrated!

The Wedding Party in 2013

The extended Selig family

The extended Chute family

The Selig family, the Chute family, and Wedding Attendants from 25 years ago all gathered at White Point Beach Lodge for an evening of feasting and sharing stories. It was foggy and rainy but we had a cozy time in the Ocean Lodge -- playing cards and roasting marshmallows for S'mores.