Welcome Home Marina!!

While we were on vacation our first exchange student came back to the USA with her daughter, Little Miss M, to join her fiance who has been working and living here in the States since COVID struck stranding her in Russia while he was not allowed to leave here.

Since we weren't home upon their arrival, John picked them up at the airport and sent me this photo to let me know that they were here safe and sound.

John has been taking very good care of them in my absence.  He and Kirsten had also taken in a student from Russia during the time we had Marina and we were like one big happy family.  

We were so in love with Marina and Sasha that the following year we took in more exchange students.  Marina was the first of 5 exchange students that Frank and I hosted and they all have a special place in our hearts.

We last saw Marina in 2017 when she was working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and invited us to go on an Alaskan Cruise.  When she wasn't working she was able to attend some excursions with us and could join us for dinner.  It was during this cruise that we first met Devin, then her boyfriend and now her fiance.

We didn't get home until nearly 4 am yesterday but I was wide away at 7 and anxious to see My Marina and meet my granddaughter in person.  We stopped at John's on the way to get some groceries in this house and had a wonderful reunion.  Then John took Devin to the dentist and Marina and Little Miss M went shopping with me and Frank.

While shopping, I grabbed stuff to make a quick pot pie and John stopped and picked up some corn from a local farmer. We all met up for an impromptu dinner.  Little Miss M loves sweet corn slathered in butter as much as Grampy!!

Today we get to see the Angel Face and then we are having another dinner gathering as people reunite with Marina and get to know Devin and Little Miss M.  Tomorrow, we head out again....this time to Atlanta to swim with the Whale Sharks in the Georgia Aquarium.   

Just a quick jaunt, we will be back on Monday.  In the meanwhile, Marina and her family are staying at John's and doing some house hunting.  When we get back the tile guy is scheduled to put up the backsplash and Frank will touch up the paint so our kitchen will be completed.  Photos to follow so stay tuned.

While shopping yesterday Marina spoke of all the foods she was looking forward to having with us again.  First on the list was a Chocolate Malt that Frank made her for dessert last night and Little Miss M quickly claimed as her own.  She also requested Kielbasa and Sauerkraut so that is making it on the menu this week as well.

I am sharing our Weekly Menu including our dinner this evening.  What's on your menu this week.

Welcome Home Dinner

Zucchini Feta Bruschetta

Greek Salad

Lamb Chops

Meditteranean Chicken 

Lebanese Rice

Pumpkin Parfaits

Friday

Dinner at Airport

Saturday and Sunday

On Vacation in Georgia

Meatless Monday

Spinach and Cheese Ravioli

Breadsticks

Taco Tuesday

Crescent Tacos

Wednesday

Norwegian Meatballs

Creamed Cabbage

Mashed Potatoes

Thursday

Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Potato Cheese Pierogi

Butternut Rice Pudding

Fish Friday

Shrimp Pasta

Tossed Salad