Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be moving to a foreign country to live, let alone a country in the Middle East. Over the 2009 Christmas and New Year’s holidays, my husband Roger and I discussed what we wanted the next part of our life to be like. He thought that before retiring, he would like to do one more airport project but only if he could find something very interesting. I half-jokingly agreed that would be fine but could he try for an exotic location? As usual, Roger came through and soon we were headed to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. This blog is a recap of our "leap-of- faith" wanderings around the Middle East and beyond. We joyfully share these expat experiences.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Trip to Normandy Beach Sparks Memorial Day Remembrance . . .

“To these we owe the highest resolve that the cause for which they died shall live.”
                                                                         Omaha Beach Memorial, Normandy France

A big salute to all our USA military war veterans on this Monday’s Memorial Day.

Because of the sacrifice of our military personnel and the sacrifices of their families, Americans and the people of many other countries now live in freedom and peace.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Blogging Boomers Blog Carnival #260

This has been such a special month astronomically speaking.  First we had the super moon on May 5th, and then an annular solar eclipse. Don’t miss these pictures, because we won’t see another until 2023!

Midlife writers: Have you heard about Midlife Collage yet?  It’s a website where anyone age 40-60 can share their stories for everyone else to enjoy.  The story chosen to be the best each week by readers, wins the author $50 plus bragging right!

Big news!  My story: “AMBUSHED BY LOVE!” was the big winner last week!  Thanks to all of you for your votes.  

On to the business at hand! What have my fellow midlife bloggers been talking about this week?  EVERYTHING!


Thursday, May 10, 2012

14 REASONS WHY MOM IS ALWAYS RIGHT . . . FOR TEENAGERS


Brooke & Nanny
With Mother’s Day in the USA coming up this Sunday, I am digressing from my regular Arabian travel stories and posting a special message to my teenage granddaughters Brooke and Lindsey.

I just want to impart a little grandmotherly advice to you as you travel the uncertain paths of the tumultuous teenage years. 

Love and miss you Brooke and Lindsey. 
Lindsey & Nanny

For my readers, let me know if I missed any important points! I am certain these translate into any language. Please also share with your teenagers. I would love to know what they think.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!   


Everyone, don't forget to call your Moms and Grandmothers on Sunday!

1. Mom is the Queen  . . . and ruler of the Kingdom! 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Blogging Boomers Happy Mother's Day

What do you think every mother wants? The Accidental Locavore has the privilege of hosting this week’s Blogging Boomer’s Carnival and mothers seem to be on a lot of peoples minds.

And we’d like to welcome Rita Robison, the newest edition to the carnival! Be sure to check out her blog: The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide. 

Thursday, May 3, 2012

36 HOURS in DUBAI . . . Top 10 Things to Do and See in Dubai!


Jon & Elaine & the Burj Al Arab
Expats living in Dubai are delighted to have friends and family visit their adopted city. The lucky ones get to stay for an extended period but in many cases it is simply a pass through on the way to/from other travels.  So in a limited amount of time, what are the “must do/see” places in Dubai?

I had to make this decision recently when good friends Jon and Elaine Krupnick stopped by on their way home from an extensive trip to Sri Lanka and India, immediately followed by my sister Paty Barr and her friend Kathryn Brandt who were stopping by to pick up me and Jani Diedam on their way to our excursion to India (more on that later).
Paty & Kathryn's first trip to the desert






Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Blogging Boomers and Their Wide Ranging Tastes


The Boomers are once again cooking up a blog’s full of delightful dishes, offering as many specialties as even the hungriest Baby Boomer could possibly want. For starters, the Accidental Locavore  reports that she finally got back in the kitchen. What’s on the menu? Homemade pastrami from local grassfed beef. Check it out here.