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.

Friends

One of the joys of being back in Nova Scotia is the opportunity to visit with good friends. Even though we left the town of Truro 5 years ago, the people there continue to be a great support for us as a family. We love being able to visit those friends and tell them how much they still mean to us. We shared a delicious meal with several couples that we still consider close friends despite the time and the miles that separate us.

In Truro we also had an exciting adventure of getting stuck in a new elevator. We were rescued after 20 minutes and Lisa was so impressed by the Fireman that she asked for a photo!

Tim and Lisa also traveled to PEI to spend a week relaxing while Max and Simon went to Mount Traber Camp. It was a glorious week! The weather and the company was perfect! We had an extended visit with dear friends, the Slysz's. We shared several meals and several lazy afternoons with them -- strolling the beach, exploring Victoria, sitting at their cabin, hanging out in their beautiful new home. It was a special time that we usually don't have with them.

We also had a short visit with our friend Natasha, who has recently moved to PEI following the death of her husband and our beloved friend, Lynn. We miss him so much and it was good to spend some time with her in this new season of her life.

July 1st Celebrations

July 1st is a time for celebrating! As often as possible we try to be back in Canada by July 1st to celebrate Canada Day. It is also Lisa's parents Anniversary! We usually have a family gathering to celebrate these events and also our Chute family return to Nova Scotia. A great social time!