Here we are again.

Beloved loved ones: Since we returned to the states in 1999, the Evans family has moved so many times that many of you either have no idea of where I am or no longer even care. For those who do, here's a brief recap.

After taking a year off to grow a beard and trade stocks on-line, Connie went to work for Honeywell. After 3 years, they thought we might like living in Philadelphia. I did somewhat; but it was very cold in winter, something I'm not terribly used to unless skiing is involved. Two years later, when Connie thought it would be good to move down to Atlanta (Duluth, actually, home of the wild-eyed runaway bride) I readily agreed.

I was born in Athens but never lived there, so for the first time ever I was living in the state where I was born. Woo-woo! The weather was much better. Our house was nicely situated on a street teeming with boys Robert's own age. Robert loved it. The cats (only two at this point) loved roaming our yard and those of our neighbors. Connie loved having a mere 15 minute commute to work. I was taking art classes and found an excellent yoga studio. (Thanks, Donna!) But once again, we were out in the boonies, which I really don't care for, and let me just say right now, the traffic in the Atlanta area is some of the WORST!!

None of which explains why after not even two years, I once again sold a house I was starting to get right (just re-did the kitchen - always a sign of impending doom), uprooted my child, gave away our one-eyed hamster, Nibbles, of whom we were very fond, sold a car I really liked, left my poor niece, Amy, new in town without any close family, packed our increasingly ragged belongings, and moved overseas to Abu freaking Dhabi.

Oh, right. Not my idea this time. But, it seemed like something we were supposed to do. And I have made some cash off all those houses I've fixed up and sold. (Thank you Lou, Sarah, Amy and Peggy, my real estate ladies.)

Connie started working here in January while Robert and I and Ali (now the sole cat) took care of business and finished up the school year in Georgia. We joined him in the Garden City of Abu Dhabi in June.

Which brings us to the topic of "Summer in the Middle East". It's the hottest place on the planet. How does 120 degrees grab you? Everyone in their right mind leaves for the summer or at least a good part of it. But we had to get our house together and get Robert into school.

And then there was Ramadan, during which you can't eat or drink in public until sundown for a whole month. The locals love it; it's like a month of Christmas for them during which they stay up late eating, visiting friends, exchanging presents, and they work half days. For us gringos it's more of an inconvenience and no social activities are planned.

So what I'm saying here, is that while I've been at home waiting on assorted installers, workmen and deliveries of appliances, I haven't had much opportunity to get out and meet people or pursue my various interests. (Except napping of course, which to be honest is really one of my favorites.)

However; over the Eid (the holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan) we did escape to Phuket in Thailand for a week. And since we've been back I've found a good yoga studio. I've met some people, mostly parents of Robert's friends at school. The house is coming along and with any luck we'll be able to welcome guests for Thanksgiving. The weather is cooling a bit. Things are looking up.

Robert is in a good school and Boy Scouts and has made a lot of friends. Our neighbors are English and have two boys his age. Connie enjoys his job and being back in the Middle East. And somehow I've ended up with four cats. I'd say that pretty much brings us up to date.