Fall in the Middle East

Seasons tend to look a bit different on this side of the world, and I don't just mean weather wise. After all, I grew up in Florida- we don't really have normal "seasons," there either.

No, I mean that there tends to be a complete lack of recognition of the Fall season here. After all, it means nothing special to this side of the world, these three months of the year. There isn't much of a change of weather, it is not a time of harvest or Thanksgiving, there are no family oriented holidays!

And, don't even get me started on the lack of Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

It's been a disappointment three years running.

But, with the impending arrival of our second baby girl, I thought it would be wise to focus on some goals for our little family this fall. A chance to step back, spend time together, and make some memories in the process.

Next year, we hope to be in the States during the Fall and I'd like my daughter to at least know of a few things.

Like what the word leaf is.

Or what carving a pumpkin means.

Or how to order me a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte, no whip.

Or, just the first two would be alright.

She will only be two then.

Our bucket list for this year:

Two things to observe:
1.) many of my goals are food oriented, and I am okay with that.
2.) "carve pumpkins," is a goal of mine, but I'm not even sure if we can buy whole pumpkins, so it might turn into "carve bell peppers," and, once again, I'm okay with that.

Also, "make costumes for girls," may turn into me "buying costumes for girls." I have to remember I'll have a newborn and an 18 month old.

I am looking forward to these activities, simple as they might be!

What are your plans for the fall?

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Fall in the Middle East

Low Key {and rain in the desert}

I know, two posts in one day.

Watch out world.

But sometimes, when you have an amazing day, you just need to share it, if only to encourage someone else in the throes of a horrible day.

Ian and I had an unofficial date night today.

And all because our power turned off!

Our area of our little tiny city seems to have rolling black outs frequently, so when the power shut off, right as I was in the middle of shredding chicken in the food processor, we loaded Grace into her carseat for naptime and set out on a drive (with our car's air conditioning.)

We drove around our little city, exploring a few areas that we had never set foot in.

We sang along to "Sweet Home Alabama," "Island in the Sun," and a plethora of The Postal Service songs.

We watched as a dust storm rolled in, with wisps of sand streaking across the roads.

We stopped and picked up one of our favorite Middle Eastern desserts, basboosa.

And then, miracle of all miracles, it started to rain.

RAIN!

In the DESERT!

Grace has never driven in the rain.
Or seen it.
Or touched it.

She stirred from her nap and was momentarily frightened until our gleeful chatter lulled her back to sleep.

We talked and talked and talked, and finally returned home to feed, bathe, and put Grace down for the night.

Then we went for a nighttime stroll in our neighborhood, with a dust cleared sky and a mountain of fire in the background.

And, even though the temperatures were only in the seventies, we shivered as we walked along and thought of the months to come.

Because Winter, in the desert, is like Spring in the rest of the world.

Growth.
Renewal.
Refreshment.

And all of this was rung in with a walk in the desert with my husband.

Like I said, it was a good night.

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Low Key {and rain in the desert}