Pictures

My family – Dad, Mom, sister Tanya (with Michael’s picture on the wall). My parents turned 70 this year and will celebrate 50th wedding anniversary next December. See the image of a plane in the mirror? My dad served airforce for what seems like forever. So much they've gone through...Their grandson's death sped up their aging. They see only light in the 2 grandsons they have left, and who are on freakin' opposite side of the world! Michael was first and favorite - deserving so. He had a whole life ahead...



Main Russian Orthodox Church in Sergiev Posad, where Oleg grew up, Moscow region - isn't it one of the most beautiful places/structures on Earth and exsubes peace and calm? I placed a candle in Michael's memory and another for Alex's full recovery. Oleg's dad still lives there.



20 years prior now, spring of 1987. It called "subbotnik", when the whole country comes out and cleans the neighborhoods as volunteers on Saturday of April.



My birthday 2 month before Alex was born, 1990



Me, Svetlana and Olga – just as we were…or at least we think so. Yes, it's caviar and vodka on the table:) What did you think we had?



Stephen and new friend Irina (Svetlana’s daughter) - yes, they play Twister, an American invention! Irina is a busy girl, taking tennis, hourse-riding, swimming, English and dance lessons. A typical Russian girl.




17 years before…Michael was 9 (in the background). We had to drink champaine and break glasses - how many pieces would account of our years together. I don't think we counted:) We were young and careless. My sister sewed my dress from her dress, and it was different and simple. I also wore red shoes! My mom really didn't like this idea.



Charlie, crazy happy puppy



Daisy, lazy lady






One interesting thought - this weekend is a WS100 lotery time, and I practically forgotten, had it not been a few emails wishing me luck in it. What I don't need - I didn't apply. For the first time in my ultra "career"...after 3 straight years anticipating first weekend of December...and I don't feel weird. But I do wish all who is waiting for the results on Sunday the best of luck, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!!!