No pics, just an update

Today was a *lovely* day. I use the term lightly because this morning, I met with the executive director for Koins (the organization I am working with for my water project) and she gave me a grim update of the conditions in Samburu. If you get a chance, take a look at CFAC for a brief recap of our meeting. As soon as I can figure out how to get the "little goodies" working correctly, there will be a listing of fun things you can purchase to make your life a little lighter, and make a difference in the lives of citizens of our world. So check there in the next few days, thanks for reading, and have a lovely day.

Serious stuff

Samburu, Kenya is experiencing a worse than usual drought. Today, I had another meeting with the executive director for Koins. We discussed the imminent need to build a safe and sanitary girls dormitory at the Samburu Secondary School. The stories she told me about the conditions she saw there last May made tears drop from my eyes.

Of course, they'll need a water source. Since Samburu's topography doesn't work for boreholes (wells) we will most likely tap (via pipeline) into the main water source from Mombasa. If you have any questions about the specific, technical aspects just let me know (it's not that interesting to write about..really...plus, I can put you in touch with someone who can explain the process much better than I).

One of the saddest facts that young women face is the inability to continue with their education because of menstruation, pregnancy (often due to early marriage or rape) or lack of funds and water.

Most people know, or should know, that an educated woman is the first line of defense to poverty, violence and AIDS. Anything we can do to keep even one girl in school is worthwhile.

The next time you turn on the tap, try to think about what a precious resource water is.

Never give up.....14 hours to shop

I cannot resist taking photos of signs. This one is from the Palais Royal arcade. Little compares to the perfect little black dress. Lucky for me, I have a reason to get a brand new one!

I tried on a lot of dresses today. Shopping is exercise! I did not buy this one....the sleeves were too much like wings. I am not a bird.

I didn't shop here today, but isn't it a cool photo? I rode enough escalators today to justify posting this pic I took in Paris last month.

Relentlessness leads to the right choice. I pick up the chosen one tomorrow....but still need to get shoes....and *maybe* a handbag. Will have to sleep on that lovely thought.

Live. It. Up.

Just back from true vacation in Hawaii (so much of our traveling is for business). It's always lovely to go back to places where no matter how many times you go, you appreciate that first...

Wave crashing on your legs. Daughter got a head start....
Snorkel adventure....

View of Waimea Canyon. This was, actually, the first time we saw this part of Kauai. It's amazing. If you stand there and concentrate just a little, you can hear the wind in the canyon. I am sure it is saying something important (no idea what because I was watching daughter like a hawk so that she didn't fall off the side...we had our flip flops on and there weren't any guard rails. She can be a daredevil).

Ooh, and the first, second, and *maybe* third mai tai.

Total rest and relaxation.