December 2020 - More Covid Vaccinations
This week our children (clockwise from top left: Aviv Levy, Vered Ron, Aviv Ron, Moran Segoli) received their first Covid vaccinations. The latest fad is photographing the event. Last week there were pictures of Doreen and me, this week of our children.
Our son Aviv, who is certified to give emergency first-aid treatment,
underwent a training course and is on standby to administer the Covid
vaccine.
(A few days after Maayan also received a vaccine.)
December 2020 - Maayan and Hila come for supper
We have an excellent relationship with our neighbours on the same floor of our building and with their two daughters, Maayan aged 8 and Hila aged 6, who often just pop over to say hello. So Doreen invited them over for supper a few nights ago. They came 'dressed in the best' with flowers and enjoyed the meal - or at least some of it! The highlight was profiteroles. Doreen baked the puff pastry and the girls took turns in filling them with the creamy insides and pouring chocolate sauce over them before eating them
(Click for profiterole recipe)
December 2020 - A desert hike
After celebrating Maayan's birthday the Rons. Vered and Aviv, went with Moran and Mikhal Segoli on a hike in the desert area near Sde Boqer.
December 16, 2020 - 26th Family Reunion and 56th Wedding Anniversary
Despite Corona restrictions we managed at the last moment to organise a joint celebration of out 56th Wedding Anniversary and a 26th Levy Family Reunion. More details are on This Week's Picture archives. There are also pictures on the pages of our grandchildren Danielle, Lior, Itamar, Maayan, Lotem, Amit, Ilai and Zoe.
Some of our actvities follow:
There had been heavy rains during the previous days and Moran took us to Wadi Havarim (a tributary of Nahal Zin which it joins here), where the usually dry and sandy wadi was now a stream with fast flowing water. Maayan and Lotem stood in the stream and took our picture. As you can see, we were not the only ones coming to see this not very common dessert view.
Lighting the 7th Candle of Hannuka, followed by traditional songs - mainly from the "girls".
See also Amit and Lior lighting candles.
Our 56 Anniversary
We managed to blow out the candles in one (joint) breath and then read out our cards to one another. The T-shirts read
Together is our
favourite place to be
and it was certainly our best place to be for our anniversary with all our family.
Thursday we visited a great hillock site Hamoki Nitzana and enjoyed the mild climbs and walks.
We went to an area near Beer Milchan where is a large and high sand dune ideal for "sand surfing" which was most enjoyable (and great exercise for Joannie running up and down the "mountain.")
Mikhal and Doreen (click on the pictures for short videos)
December 2020
Once again son Aviv appeared on Israel TV. This time an underwater lighting of a Hannukia.
This is not the first time Aviv has appeared on TV celebrating something underwater. For example see a passover seder and a Giro Italia cycle ride.
December 2020
Frankie Klaff celebrates Hannuka via zoom with daughter-in-law Amalia and grandson Asher.
December 2020 - Hannukah
Some more pictures of Hannuka celebrations (see This Week's Picture Archives):
Doughnuts have become big business in Israel and the bakeries try to outdo each other in exaggerated versions of the traditional doughnuts. Look at these vegan doughnuts that the Rons bought from one of the bakeries
December 2020
Eilat has been declared a Covid-safe "island" and entry to the city is only permitteed to people who have tested negative for the virus. So we queued up and did our tests in less than the required 72 hours and after receiving "negative" results drove to Eilat, and were of course delighted to be able to spend a weekend with the Eilat Levys. Daughter-in-law Limor made sure we had tasty meals.
December 2020 - We have a curry bush sapling
We invited a tour guide colleague of Doreen, Nola and her husband Max for coffee and spent a very pleasant few hours, during which Nola told us about cooking with "curry leaves", which her daughter Keren, who lives in Midreshet Ben-Gurion, grows. So on the way back from Eilat we dropped into say hello to our son Moran and Mikhal and grandchildren who also live in in Midreshet Ben Gurion, and picked up a small sapling which we will attempt to grow into a curry bush.
November 2020 - Yael Paperna's birthday
Doreen and some friends celebrated Yael Paperna's birthday.
l-r: Friend Ora, sister Nava, Ruti Erez, Yael, Sister Ofra, Caroline Livneh, Doreen, Roni Dagan
Novemner 2020 - Oren Klaff family in the snow in Denver
The "San Diego" Klaffs, Oren, Amalia and Asher enjoy the snow in Denver. (see Goldberg family tree.)
Thank to Mom Frankie for the picture.
November 2020 - The Hula Agamon Nature Reserve
The Hula Valley is an important resting place and wintering ground for tens of thousands of birds, and the best place to see them is in the Hula Agamon Reserve. We took a sunset tour in a specially adapted viewing vehicle. The birds are accustomed to theses vehicles that pose no danger to them and we can drive up very close to them. We can heartily recommend this terrific experience. We saw flocks of birds, mainly cranes, but also many others including flamingoes. We were very lucky to see a Swamp Cat stalking in the undergrowth, and also a wild boar in the lake.
This is not the first time we have been to this Reserve and I hope not the last time. Two previous visits were with Terry and Carol Kessel in 2004 and with the Rons and Segolis in 2005
November 2020 - Papayas in our garden
We have had a bumper crop of delicious papayas in our garden this year, and still have a few more waiting to ripen. We are planting seeds from this year to have even more trees in the next years. Some have sprouted already and been transplanted to a large container and we have prepared another container for more.
November 2020 - Friday night dinner - Vegan pie
Friday night's dinner was highlighted by a vegan mushroom and leek pie with phyllo dough, based on the fish pie we had so enjoed at brunch the previous day.
Click here for the recipe.
November 2020 - Brunch
With the relaxation of some of the Covid restrictions we invited some friends for brunch. Doreen as expected prepared salads and spreads, but the highlight was a delicious fish pie made with phyllo dough. It was so good that she modified the recipe and prepared a vegan pie for our grandchildren for Friday night dinner the next day. See above.
Caroline Livneh, Yaffa Loew, me, Doreen, Louise Braverman, Rutie Erez (Vered Ron taking the picture!)
October 2020 - A weekend in the Galil with Aviv and family
We went with son Aviv and family (joined by Limor's mother Margalit) to get away from it all at a tzimmer (B&B) in the Galil, delighting in the cool and refreshing weather. Aviv and family went a day earlier and visited Tzfat (Safed).We came on Friday afternoon and enjoyed quality time with them. We taught the grandchildren how to play Blackjack, enjoyed an afternoon snack and a Friday night dinner, swam in the pool (one of us!) and visited Saba Haviv, a local shop (see picture) selling various local products where we bought olive oil and a few other things. A delightful weekend.
Lotem's 15th birthday
See more pictures on the pages of Maayan, Lotem and Zoe
October 2020 - Pool and Cool
During the Corona period we are very careful, but a brunch poolside in the open air at friend Ruti Erez's house seemed like a good idea to Doreen and some of her friends.
Caroline Livneh, Ruti Erez, Doreen and Yael Paperna
October 2020 - Patron of the Arts
Doreen heard from Mina Orenstein, a dear friend from our days in St Thomas who visited us a few years ago. . She is now living in Guatemala and with her small Canadian pension says she is better off than many of the locals. When she heard that the local artist Antonio didn't have money for paints she commissioned him to paint her verandah wall (on plywood so that if she moved she could take it with her. She now laughingly describes herself as a patron of the arts!
October 2020 - "Bibi - resign!"
Doreen and I continue to stand in protest against Netanyahu ("Bibi."). We are only allowed to protest within 1 km of our home so we usually go to a bridge over the highway near us. This week we stood, together with many others, at a nearby intersection in Kiryat Hasharon where we live. It was interesting as we could hear the comments of support or condemnation from the cars passing close by. We were surprised when a car stopped and the driver spoke to us through the car window. "I vote Bibi. But I really am imressed that an elderly person such as you feels so strongly that he can stand in the heat demonstrating his political views. You have my respect." A civilised comment among the many insults, one of which was "pity they didn't get you in Auswitch".
October 2020 - The Segoli's outings and picnics during lockdown.
In this era of lockdowns and restricted movement, living in Midreshet Sde Boqer in the Negev Desert has its perks. While us city dwellers are confined to our built up areas, the Segolis and some friends can go to the nearby wide-open spaces without any fear of contracting or spreading the Corona virus. Moran sent us some pictures of their extended desert picnics and outings.
There are more pictures of the Segoli picnics on the pages of Maayan, Lotem and Zoe.
Happy news from London.
Ex brother in law Melly Braverman has informed us of the happy news that his daughter Tamara and Kevin Morrow have just adopted two sisters, 4 year old Lily (centre) and 1 year old Neveah (right)
September 2020 - The Charles Levys visit Sabie and the Kruger National Park.
In these times of Covid lockdowns , quarantines and isolation it's great to hear of some travelling safely. We have heard of some South African friends visiting the Game Parks - certainly the wide open spaces are less susceptible to virus infection. Among these lucky ones are cousins Charles and Sheenagh and their daughter Katherine who spent some days in Sabie and the Kruger Park. As Sheenagh wrote "soooo ucky, overcast day and cool, all the animals out to play". Here are some of the animals they saw .
September 2020 - Debra Hock and Zach
We were happy to receive a note from Debra Hock (see family tree). She is studying for her PhD in Paleoontology and recently became engaged to Zach. We remember her lovely visit with us at the beginning of last year.
August 2020 - Lunch with Jaffa
Cousin Jaffa Loew (see Schank family tree) is moving house and Doreen and sister Louise Braverman went to visit Jaffa and see her new house near Ashkelon. They also enjoyed a meal at an Ashdod restaurant.
August 2020 - Meeting Michal at Bridge Demonstration
We "bridge" demonstrated against Bibi last Saturday and were delighted to meet Michal Riza there. Michal had been our grandchildren's au pair when daughter Vered and Aviv were in Paris
Rafael Braverman - aged 11 ! - goes driving
Grand nephew Rafael Braverman (see Glazer family tree) aged 11 visited our Kirshner relatives Moshe and Rochelle (nee Bortenstein) (see Schank family tree) on their farm at Qidron and experienced heaven - he was allowed to drive a farm vehilcle !
Joanie has a holiday
August 2020 - The Segolis camp out near Ashkelon
August 2020 - Aunt Malia Levy passes away
We are saddened to report the passing of my aunt Malia Levy earlier this week. Malia was the last of my father's generation. She and her husband Abe my father's youngest brother, made aliyah to Israel before us and they were of great help to us in adapting and integrating to Israel. We send our heartfelt condolences to her son Jonty and his wife Dina, and to her grandchildren Efrat, Nadav and Yarden and granddaughter Tamar. Condolences to her sister Sheila Edelstein with whom we spent some wonderful time togetherwith her and husband Tony ז"ל in South Africa.
August 2020 - Anti-Netanyahu protest at Neurim Bridge
Doreen and I joined the growing protest against Prime Minister Netanyahu. See more here.
August 2020
We paid a visit to Mevaseret to say hello to Yael and Avraham (taking the picture) Segoli, parents of daughter-in-law Mikhal and the 'other' grandparents of Lotem, Maayan and Zoe.
August 2020
Fed up with Corona, we went out and we enjoyed a breakfast with Levia Passwell and Gadi; and a dinner with ex-Hofit good friends Haim and Malka Lev and Hazel Wolfson
July 2020 - The Rons fly to USA
Covid-19 time - the normally crowded Ben Gurion Airport is deserted. No lines, no queues, no waiting, no duty-free shopping!
July 2020 - Sol and Ethel William
(see explanation in Picture of the Week Archives)
We "sort of" completed our truncated family reunion when the Segoli and the Ron families came for dinner.
July 2020 - 25th Family Reunion
(See picture and account of the Reunion in the Archives and in Doreen's Column.)
As part of out celebration we had dinner at the Nammos Restaurant in the Herzliya Marina.
July 2020 - Itamar and Maayan dive
Grandsons Itamar and Maayan went diving and send their love to all the family.
June 2020 - Doreen protests
Doreen joined a protest at a road intersection for free speech and demanding the release of those arrested at a demonsration at the Prime Minister's house. See also This Week's News 27/6/20.
June 2020 - The Segolis visit the Yori Leshems
The Segoli family visited Yori and Michal Leshem. Yori is related to us on the Glasser side and was a colleague and friend of our son Moran and Mikhal before they knew about the relationship (see here).
Yori is showing his daughter Galya's Magen David necklace that originally belonged to his great grandmother Hinde Glasser (see more here). re
Moran Segoli, Yori and Michal Leshem, Mikhal, Zoe, Maayan and Lotem Segoli
Also:
See Glezer family tree.
Yori and Michal's wedding
This Week's Picture 20/6/2020
June 2020 - A desert swim
The Segolis Moran and Mikhal took Vered and Aviv Ron for a hike and a refreshing swim in a waterhole in the Negev desert near Sde Boqer.
June 2020 - Lior and Dani prepare a feast for us
We invited our two oldest grandchildren Danielle and Lior for dinner on Friday evening when their parents were going hiking on the weekend. Instead they insisted on inviting us and preparing a meal for us. They went out of their way to prepare a delicious feast (enough for 10 people!) of multiple dishes (some of which are in the picture below). We had a great time!
June 2020 - Doreen celebrates her birthday
We celebrated Doreen's birthday. Being able to celebrate properly, and not virtually or through Zoom, was something we have waited for and the family took full advantage of this.
Dinner at the Marina with the Rons Just the two of us at a local Greek taverna
June 2020 -
(bungy jump
in December 2001)
On our visit to New Zealand in 2001 Doreen bungy jumped from the
bridge over the Kawarau River just outside Queenstown
Read Doreen's account, written soon after the jump, of how she felt before, during and after the jump..
Another picture in the Archives
June 2020 - A collage of "Doreen in Action" on the occasion of her birthday 11 June 2020.
It wasn't easy to prepare this collage. Not technically but content-wise. What pictures to leave out from the collage? I could have filled many more 4x4 collages but eventually decided rather arbitrarily on these 16. Each picture tells a story and shows Doreen's "live life to the full" personality.
Look at the picture, bottom row 3rd from left. When we were in St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands we heard that the annual big celebration/carnival was due to be held the next day in the neighboring British Virgin Islands. Of course, Doreen decided we had to go. But all the boats, yachts etc were fully booked and no seats were available. Going there by hiring a private boat was not doable, we would need passports etc etc. I found out that the chef at the restaurant at Coral World (where I was Manager) had hired a large boat and was organising a trip (making some extra money on the side.) Even for us there was no room, but he could squeeze me in. But he needed an extra waitress (selling booze on the boat was the big income) and if Doreen was prepared to sell and serve drinks he would hire her. So Doreen spent the there and back trips running up and down making already sozzled locals even drunker - but at least we got to see the Carnival.
June 2020 - Paella Dinner for Rons and Segolis
The Rons and Segolis (minus Maayan) came for dinner
and Doreen outdid herself preparing Paella (two versions: regular and
vegan) as well as various salads amd side dishes suitable for all
('normal', vegetarian, vegan, "soft food only"). The Segolis slept over
with Saba and Granny and Joanie and
the next morning enjoyed the beach.
June 2020 - A visit to the Lossins
We paid a long-overdue visit to Sydney and Ari Lossin who live about an hour's drive from us. Sydney's mother and my father were cousins on the Matz side of the family. We had a most enjoyable visit, and Sydney showed us some of her old photos of the Matz family.
Click for Matz family tree and for some old pictures of Matz family.
June 2020 - Rafael goes boating
May 2020 - Heat wave
The third week in May 2020 was the hottest May week ever recorded. Inside we had air-conditioning but ging outside was quite unbearable.
Melly Braverman sent us this picture from Eilat with the temperature showing an incredible 49°C (120°F)
May 2020 - The Rons come for dinner
Many of the Covid-19 restrictions are being relaxed and after such a long time we were so happy that daughter Vered and the Ron family could come for a most enjoyable dinner.
May 2020 - Caroline's birthday
Our long-time very good friend Caroline Livneh celebrated her birthday. We invited her over for a cup of English tea and a birthday cake. (pictures here.)
May 2020 - welcome to baby Crutchi
Congratulations to Dikla (Segoli) and Pini Cruchi on the birth of their daughter, sister to Mili and Tal. Dikla is a sister of our daughter in law, Michal segoli.
Remembrance Day April 2020
The ban on gatherings on Remembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers meant Yaffa Loew (Schank family tree) could not visit son Guy's gravesite for the first time since his death 20 years ago.
A short while before the commemorating siren, soldiers from Guy's army unit, a local police officer, neighbors and friends gathered in the road outside Yaffa's home (observing distancing) and stood in silence with her while the siren sounded.
It was a truly emotional moment for Yaffa.
April 2020 - Pesach seder.
This year the strict Covid-19 isolation restricions prevented us from gatherings, so like thousands of others we celebrated "together" with the help of Zoom. As the only option it was OK, but a Pesach table set for two (see picture) is not a very satisfying substitute for a real physical celebration.
March 2020 - "Virtual" exercising
Covid-19 lockdown continues. We are finding other ways to keep together while observing 'social distance'. Our two oldest granddaughters Danielle and Lior Ron decided that exercising together with Granny Doreen was an appropriate activity. Click on each picture above for short videos.
March 2020 - Raphael Cotton and Tamar Gralnick
Congratulations to Raphael Cotton on his marriage to Tamar
Gralnick in Johannesburg South Africa. Mazel Tov too to
parents Cecile and Raymond Cotton, seen above with Raphael. (See Matz
and Hershovitz/Levy family
trees.).
Covid-19 restricted the number of participants but Cecile reports that
there was a wonderful relaxed atmosphere at the wedding. Cecile is
continuing her new set of treatments and we wish her a speedy and full
recovery.
March 2020 - Zoe scans some old slides
Granddaughter Zoe is utilizing the break from school to scan some of her dad's old photo slides. She has sent some to us. Here is an example.
March 2020 - The Segolis and Levys in Eilat
Coronavirus lockdown - schools are closed, children get bored, so the Segolis went to Eilat to spend the time with the Eilat Levys.
March 2020 - A closed park
The coronavirus lockdown has kept us at home this week except for some short walks with Joanie our dog and 'outings' to buy food. Entrance to public spaces like parks is forbidden, even to the small park opposite our building.
March 2020 - Negev floods
The last few days have seen stormy weather in Israel, particularly in the normally dry southern areas. In the Negev desert the normally dry riverbeds (wadis) became rivers. Many went to see the rare sights of the flooded areas, among them son Moran Segoli and family who by chance met relative Uri Haberman and family (see Goldberg family tree) who were also there.
Moran and Michal Segoli, Uri, Deganit and Geffen Haberman, Maayan Golomb
A History of the Bacher and Kirsh families
Doreen's cousin (and Ali's older sister) Mushe Kirsh (see Nochimovitz/Nickel Family trees) has just published a book detailing the story of the Bacher and Kirsh families. We have just received a copy and have found it extremely intersting as it not only details the two families but also includes much background on our common heritage as Jews from the Baltic and Byelorussia who emigrated to South Africa.
March 2020 - Cousin Ali Bacher and Shira visit
We were delighted that Ali and Shira Bacher (see Nochimovitz/Nickel Family trees) could join us for dinner on their visit to Israel. It was a great opportunity for the some of the Nickel descendants of siblings Rose, Gertie and Julius to get together, and for many of the children to meet with Ali for the first time. We enjoyed the lovely atmosphere, the delicious food and the remembrances of Louise, Doreen and Ali from their young days when they lived in Cyrildene in Johannesburg. I said a few words and Ali movingly recounted how "Uncle Yudel" (Julius) had influenced his youth, bought him his first cricket bat and influemced his path to his great success as an international sportsman.
Purim - March 2020
Sde Boqer celebrated the Festival of Purim a few days before the official dates. As usual all the children and many of the adults wore costumes or "fancy dress", and our family of course joined in.
Both Michal and Moran benefiited from Lotem's amazing talent for make up - just look at Moran's red eye! Click for pictures of Lotem working on Moran's head.
But the real appeal of Purim this year for us was the Adloyada the tradional carnival-like parade taking place in various cities in Israel during the Purim festival. This year almost all the parades were cancelled due to the coronavirus precautions. The tradtional Adloyada at Midreshet Ben Gurion in the Negev, completely organized, prepared and staged by the high school students at the School for Environmental studies there, was "partly cancelled" as the onlookers were restricted to residents and parents of residents. Doreen and I joined in the festivities and we were extremely impressed with the standard of the floats and the enthusiasm of the high school participants.
March 4th - Cousin Cecile celebrates her 60th birthday
A special "happy birthday" wish to cousin Cecile Cotton who celebrated her 60th. We are happy to see that Cecile is responding favourably to treatment. She will start another round of chemotherapy soon. (See Matz and Hershovitz/Levy family trees.)
March 2020 - Another Israel Election
The results of the latest - 3rd round - of the Israel parliamentary elections indicate we may be in for a fourth round! I voluntered to to work on election day and was the chairman of a polling station representing the Meretz-Labour party, whose results were for us very disappointing - 7 seats instead of the 10 expected.
March 2020 - Joanie on holiday
Joanie poses for a picture with the Segolis
February 2020 - Eilat
In Eilat with son Aviv and granddaughter Ilai
February 2020 - The Segolis visit the The Dead Sea area
February 2020 - La Boheme at the Royal Opera House
We enjoyed an amazing performance of La Boheme at the Royal Opera house. This is the 5th time we have seen La Boheme, but the production - singing, acting, set - was so outstanding that we were moved as if this were the first time we had seen it. It was definitely one of the best Operas I have ever seen.
February 2020 - A visit to Fern's burial site
Doreen and I visited sister Fern's burial site in St Asaph, Wales. When I spoke to Fern a few days before her death she told me that she hoped to be able to eat tomatoes from the plants she had so carefully tended. Unfortunately this was not to be. So, instead of flowers, we placed her tomato plants on her grave. On our visit this week we sprinkled tomato seeds over her burial site. Perhaps they will grow.
See also This Week's Archives.
Changing plans and hopefully planes at Belfast Airport.
Storm Ciara caused most flights from Belfast to London to be cancelled, including ours, and we had to join the thousands of stranded passengers trying to find alternate arrangements. After two days (!) we finally flew from Belfast to London to spend a "very" few days there.
February 2020 - Actually eating at a KFC
After so many family pictures of KFC's around the world (for example here), we finally ate at one in Belfast.
February 2020 Belfast - Tournament Directors Workshop
The staff at the Workshop I organized for improving the standard of tournament directors in Europe
Ton Kooijman (Netherlands), Fearghal O'Boyle (Ireland), Marc van Beijsterveldt (Netherlands), Gordon Rainsford (England), me, Slawek Latala (Poland), Jacob Duschek (Denmark), Peter Eidt (Germany).
The successful Workshop,
attended by 50 enthusiastic directors from all over Europe, is largely
due to
the abilities and expertise of these dedicated persons.
February 2020 - Belfast
My fifth visit to Belfast in the last 3 years. This time I organized a bridge workshop for tournament directors. On our first night we found a restaurant near the hotel called the "Barking Dog". We had just received the picture of the Ron's new dog (see here too) which in spite of its small size had no problem barking loudly at our much larger dog Joanie. That restaurant was an obvious choice. Good food too..
Doreen took the opportunuty of again visiting the fantastic "Titanic" exhibition, which had so impressed us on a previous visit.
February 2020 - Moran in Berlin
Son Moran was in Berlin, Germany for a conference and seeing a KFC of course wanted to eat there. This was vetoed by his companions and his disappointment is clear.
January/February 2020 - KFC time in Prague
While in Prague we took our mandatory family picture of KFC (see for erxample). Although it's my favourite fast food restaurant we hardly ever eat there and did not eat there this time either. We did have a meal at our usual "Blue Duckling" Restaurant - a truly fabulous restaurant with atmoshere and great food.
Doreen took some of the wives to see the more conventional views of the old city - from left to right Doreen, Cippi Rona, Maureen Porteus and Angela Curran.
January 2020 - The Segolis ski and glide
The Segolis enjoyed their skiing holiday in Romania. While there the grandchildren enjoyed the skiing and Lotem and Maayan also loved the hang gliding.
Pictures on the pages of of Zoe, Lotem and Maayan (and also below).
January 2020 - Cholent at the Rons
Saturday lunch eating the delicious cholent prepared by Aviv Ron.
January 2020 - Friday night with the Rons and Levys
Just nice to be with family but also celebrating Itamar's school achiement and Ilai's birthday.
January 2020 - The Rons have a new dog.
Lior carries the Ron's new dog - a toy poodle. When we know her name we can add her to our "Dogs of the Family" page.
January 2020 - The Segolis fly to Romania for a ski holiday
The Segolis took a weekend trip to Eilat.
Enjoying shabbat dinner together.
January 2020 - Lunch at Meshek Barzilai vegan restaurant.
Doreen and the Segolis visited Microsculpture - the amazing exhibition of insect photographs by Levon Bliss exhibited at the Natural History Museum of Tel Aviv University. After the visit they had lunch at the currently very popular vegan restaurant Meshek Barzilai.
January 2020 - Shabbat dinner with Lior
Only 10 days or so after her operation (see here), we were thrilled that Lior (lighting the Shabbat candles) felt well enough to join us and the Segolis for Shabbat dinner..
Tamir Klaff's Old metal sculptures
Tamir, son of my late cousin Vivian, made these sculptures from old metal. You can visit his website and see more of these wonderful works.
December 2019 - A visit to Meshek Kirshner Hadash
In May 2016, on this site, we wrote:
This week our children (clockwise from top left: Aviv Levy, Vered Ron, Aviv Ron, Moran Segoli) received their first Covid vaccinations. The latest fad is photographing the event. Last week there were pictures of Doreen and me, this week of our children.
(A few days after Maayan also received a vaccine.)
December 2020 - Maayan and Hila come for supper
We have an excellent relationship with our neighbours on the same floor of our building and with their two daughters, Maayan aged 8 and Hila aged 6, who often just pop over to say hello. So Doreen invited them over for supper a few nights ago. They came 'dressed in the best' with flowers and enjoyed the meal - or at least some of it! The highlight was profiteroles. Doreen baked the puff pastry and the girls took turns in filling them with the creamy insides and pouring chocolate sauce over them before eating them
(Click for profiterole recipe)
December 2020 - A desert hike
After celebrating Maayan's birthday the Rons. Vered and Aviv, went with Moran and Mikhal Segoli on a hike in the desert area near Sde Boqer.
December 16, 2020 - 26th Family Reunion and 56th Wedding Anniversary
Despite Corona restrictions we managed at the last moment to organise a joint celebration of out 56th Wedding Anniversary and a 26th Levy Family Reunion. More details are on This Week's Picture archives. There are also pictures on the pages of our grandchildren Danielle, Lior, Itamar, Maayan, Lotem, Amit, Ilai and Zoe.
Some of our actvities follow:
There had been heavy rains during the previous days and Moran took us to Wadi Havarim (a tributary of Nahal Zin which it joins here), where the usually dry and sandy wadi was now a stream with fast flowing water. Maayan and Lotem stood in the stream and took our picture. As you can see, we were not the only ones coming to see this not very common dessert view.
Click
on the picture on the right below for a short video of Maayan and
Lotem.
Lighting the 7th Candle of Hannuka, followed by traditional songs - mainly from the "girls".
See also Amit and Lior lighting candles.
Our 56 Anniversary
We managed to blow out the candles in one (joint) breath and then read out our cards to one another. The T-shirts read
Together is our
favourite place to beand it was certainly our best place to be for our anniversary with all our family.
Thursday we visited a great hillock site Hamoki Nitzana and enjoyed the mild climbs and walks.
We went to an area near Beer Milchan where is a large and high sand dune ideal for "sand surfing" which was most enjoyable (and great exercise for Joannie running up and down the "mountain.")
Limor and Aviv
Mikhal and Doreen (click on the pictures for short videos)
There are more pictures and videos of
the family surfing on the pages of Itamar, Maayan,
Lotem,
Ilai and Zoe.
December 2020
Once again son Aviv appeared on Israel TV. This time an underwater lighting of a Hannukia.
This is not the first time Aviv has appeared on TV celebrating something underwater. For example see a passover seder and a Giro Italia cycle ride.
December 2020
Frankie Klaff celebrates Hannuka via zoom with daughter-in-law Amalia and grandson Asher.
December 2020 - Hannukah
Some more pictures of Hannuka celebrations (see This Week's Picture Archives):
The Segolis celebrated in the open
with
friends as well as at home with the traditional fritters (latkes)
prepared by Zoe; and we sang some of the many Hannukah songs with the
Rons.
Doughnuts have become big business in Israel and the bakeries try to outdo each other in exaggerated versions of the traditional doughnuts. Look at these vegan doughnuts that the Rons bought from one of the bakeries
December 2020
Eilat has been declared a Covid-safe "island" and entry to the city is only permitteed to people who have tested negative for the virus. So we queued up and did our tests in less than the required 72 hours and after receiving "negative" results drove to Eilat, and were of course delighted to be able to spend a weekend with the Eilat Levys. Daughter-in-law Limor made sure we had tasty meals.
December 2020 - We have a curry bush sapling
We invited a tour guide colleague of Doreen, Nola and her husband Max for coffee and spent a very pleasant few hours, during which Nola told us about cooking with "curry leaves", which her daughter Keren, who lives in Midreshet Ben-Gurion, grows. So on the way back from Eilat we dropped into say hello to our son Moran and Mikhal and grandchildren who also live in in Midreshet Ben Gurion, and picked up a small sapling which we will attempt to grow into a curry bush.
November 2020 - Yael Paperna's birthday
Doreen and some friends celebrated Yael Paperna's birthday.
l-r: Friend Ora, sister Nava, Ruti Erez, Yael, Sister Ofra, Caroline Livneh, Doreen, Roni Dagan
Novemner 2020 - Oren Klaff family in the snow in Denver
The "San Diego" Klaffs, Oren, Amalia and Asher enjoy the snow in Denver. (see Goldberg family tree.)
Thank to Mom Frankie for the picture.
November 2020 - The Hula Agamon Nature Reserve
The Hula Valley is an important resting place and wintering ground for tens of thousands of birds, and the best place to see them is in the Hula Agamon Reserve. We took a sunset tour in a specially adapted viewing vehicle. The birds are accustomed to theses vehicles that pose no danger to them and we can drive up very close to them. We can heartily recommend this terrific experience. We saw flocks of birds, mainly cranes, but also many others including flamingoes. We were very lucky to see a Swamp Cat stalking in the undergrowth, and also a wild boar in the lake.
This is not the first time we have been to this Reserve and I hope not the last time. Two previous visits were with Terry and Carol Kessel in 2004 and with the Rons and Segolis in 2005
November 2020 - Papayas in our garden
We have had a bumper crop of delicious papayas in our garden this year, and still have a few more waiting to ripen. We are planting seeds from this year to have even more trees in the next years. Some have sprouted already and been transplanted to a large container and we have prepared another container for more.
November 2020 - Friday night dinner - Vegan pie
Friday night's dinner was highlighted by a vegan mushroom and leek pie with phyllo dough, based on the fish pie we had so enjoed at brunch the previous day.
Click here for the recipe.
November 2020 - Brunch
With the relaxation of some of the Covid restrictions we invited some friends for brunch. Doreen as expected prepared salads and spreads, but the highlight was a delicious fish pie made with phyllo dough. It was so good that she modified the recipe and prepared a vegan pie for our grandchildren for Friday night dinner the next day. See above.
Caroline Livneh, Yaffa Loew, me, Doreen, Louise Braverman, Rutie Erez (Vered Ron taking the picture!)
October 2020 - A weekend in the Galil with Aviv and family
We went with son Aviv and family (joined by Limor's mother Margalit) to get away from it all at a tzimmer (B&B) in the Galil, delighting in the cool and refreshing weather. Aviv and family went a day earlier and visited Tzfat (Safed).We came on Friday afternoon and enjoyed quality time with them. We taught the grandchildren how to play Blackjack, enjoyed an afternoon snack and a Friday night dinner, swam in the pool (one of us!) and visited Saba Haviv, a local shop (see picture) selling various local products where we bought olive oil and a few other things. A delightful weekend.
Lotem's 15th birthday
See more pictures on the pages of Maayan, Lotem and Zoe
October 2020 - Pool and Cool
During the Corona period we are very careful, but a brunch poolside in the open air at friend Ruti Erez's house seemed like a good idea to Doreen and some of her friends.
Caroline Livneh, Ruti Erez, Doreen and Yael Paperna
October 2020 - Patron of the Arts
Doreen heard from Mina Orenstein, a dear friend from our days in St Thomas who visited us a few years ago. . She is now living in Guatemala and with her small Canadian pension says she is better off than many of the locals. When she heard that the local artist Antonio didn't have money for paints she commissioned him to paint her verandah wall (on plywood so that if she moved she could take it with her. She now laughingly describes herself as a patron of the arts!
October 2020 - "Bibi - resign!"
Doreen and I continue to stand in protest against Netanyahu ("Bibi."). We are only allowed to protest within 1 km of our home so we usually go to a bridge over the highway near us. This week we stood, together with many others, at a nearby intersection in Kiryat Hasharon where we live. It was interesting as we could hear the comments of support or condemnation from the cars passing close by. We were surprised when a car stopped and the driver spoke to us through the car window. "I vote Bibi. But I really am imressed that an elderly person such as you feels so strongly that he can stand in the heat demonstrating his political views. You have my respect." A civilised comment among the many insults, one of which was "pity they didn't get you in Auswitch".
October 2020 - The Segoli's outings and picnics during lockdown.
In this era of lockdowns and restricted movement, living in Midreshet Sde Boqer in the Negev Desert has its perks. While us city dwellers are confined to our built up areas, the Segolis and some friends can go to the nearby wide-open spaces without any fear of contracting or spreading the Corona virus. Moran sent us some pictures of their extended desert picnics and outings.
There are more pictures of the Segoli picnics on the pages of Maayan, Lotem and Zoe.
Happy news from London.
Ex brother in law Melly Braverman has informed us of the happy news that his daughter Tamara and Kevin Morrow have just adopted two sisters, 4 year old Lily (centre) and 1 year old Neveah (right)
September 2020 - The Charles Levys visit Sabie and the Kruger National Park.
In these times of Covid lockdowns , quarantines and isolation it's great to hear of some travelling safely. We have heard of some South African friends visiting the Game Parks - certainly the wide open spaces are less susceptible to virus infection. Among these lucky ones are cousins Charles and Sheenagh and their daughter Katherine who spent some days in Sabie and the Kruger Park. As Sheenagh wrote "soooo ucky, overcast day and cool, all the animals out to play". Here are some of the animals they saw .
It's rare to see lions with their
kill, and even rarer to see a leopard in a tree with its kill
September 2020 - Debra Hock and Zach
We were happy to receive a note from Debra Hock (see family tree). She is studying for her PhD in Paleoontology and recently became engaged to Zach. We remember her lovely visit with us at the beginning of last year.
August 2020 - Lunch with Jaffa
Cousin Jaffa Loew (see Schank family tree) is moving house and Doreen and sister Louise Braverman went to visit Jaffa and see her new house near Ashkelon. They also enjoyed a meal at an Ashdod restaurant.
August 2020 - Meeting Michal at Bridge Demonstration
We "bridge" demonstrated against Bibi last Saturday and were delighted to meet Michal Riza there. Michal had been our grandchildren's au pair when daughter Vered and Aviv were in Paris
Rafael Braverman - aged 11 ! - goes driving
Grand nephew Rafael Braverman (see Glazer family tree) aged 11 visited our Kirshner relatives Moshe and Rochelle (nee Bortenstein) (see Schank family tree) on their farm at Qidron and experienced heaven - he was allowed to drive a farm vehilcle !
Click on picture for short video
When our children were small, they
loved nothing better than to
visit the Bortenstein relatives on their farm at Kfar Meishar. The
highlight of their stay was collecting eggs from the chicken coop.
Rael, Louise's late son, even went to bed one night fully dressed
under the covers, so he would be first out in the morning.
Joanie has a holiday
August 2020 - The Segolis camp out near Ashkelon
August 2020 - Aunt Malia Levy passes away
Malia
Levy ז"ל
We are saddened to report the passing of my aunt Malia Levy earlier this week. Malia was the last of my father's generation. She and her husband Abe my father's youngest brother, made aliyah to Israel before us and they were of great help to us in adapting and integrating to Israel. We send our heartfelt condolences to her son Jonty and his wife Dina, and to her grandchildren Efrat, Nadav and Yarden and granddaughter Tamar. Condolences to her sister Sheila Edelstein with whom we spent some wonderful time togetherwith her and husband Tony ז"ל in South Africa.
August 2020 - Anti-Netanyahu protest at Neurim Bridge
Doreen and I joined the growing protest against Prime Minister Netanyahu. See more here.
August 2020
We paid a visit to Mevaseret to say hello to Yael and Avraham (taking the picture) Segoli, parents of daughter-in-law Mikhal and the 'other' grandparents of Lotem, Maayan and Zoe.
August 2020
Fed up with Corona, we went out and we enjoyed a breakfast with Levia Passwell and Gadi; and a dinner with ex-Hofit good friends Haim and Malka Lev and Hazel Wolfson
July 2020 - The Rons fly to USA
Covid-19 time - the normally crowded Ben Gurion Airport is deserted. No lines, no queues, no waiting, no duty-free shopping!
July 2020 - Sol and Ethel William
(see explanation in Picture of the Week Archives)
The letter sent by Eric Levy to
sister Ethel; Ethel (Levy) William's tombstone; Tray presented on her
marriage to Ethel from L.Pinn & Co Jewellers (still doing business
in Cape Town as Pinns)
We "sort of" completed our truncated family reunion when the Segoli and the Ron families came for dinner.
July 2020 - 25th Family Reunion
(See picture and account of the Reunion in the Archives and in Doreen's Column.)
As part of out celebration we had dinner at the Nammos Restaurant in the Herzliya Marina.
July 2020 - Itamar and Maayan dive
Grandsons Itamar and Maayan went diving and send their love to all the family.
June 2020 - Doreen protests
Doreen joined a protest at a road intersection for free speech and demanding the release of those arrested at a demonsration at the Prime Minister's house. See also This Week's News 27/6/20.
June 2020 - The Segolis visit the Yori Leshems
The Segoli family visited Yori and Michal Leshem. Yori is related to us on the Glasser side and was a colleague and friend of our son Moran and Mikhal before they knew about the relationship (see here).
Yori is showing his daughter Galya's Magen David necklace that originally belonged to his great grandmother Hinde Glasser (see more here). re
Moran Segoli, Yori and Michal Leshem, Mikhal, Zoe, Maayan and Lotem Segoli
Also:
See Glezer family tree.
Yori and Michal's wedding
This Week's Picture 20/6/2020
June 2020 - A desert swim
The Segolis Moran and Mikhal took Vered and Aviv Ron for a hike and a refreshing swim in a waterhole in the Negev desert near Sde Boqer.
June 2020 - Lior and Dani prepare a feast for us
We invited our two oldest grandchildren Danielle and Lior for dinner on Friday evening when their parents were going hiking on the weekend. Instead they insisted on inviting us and preparing a meal for us. They went out of their way to prepare a delicious feast (enough for 10 people!) of multiple dishes (some of which are in the picture below). We had a great time!
June 2020 - Doreen celebrates her birthday
We celebrated Doreen's birthday. Being able to celebrate properly, and not virtually or through Zoom, was something we have waited for and the family took full advantage of this.
Dinner at the Marina with the Rons Just the two of us at a local Greek taverna
With some friends eating
ice-cream
Birthday greetings from the Levys in
Eilat
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
Read Doreen's account, written soon after the jump, of how she felt before, during and after the jump..
Another picture in the Archives
June 2020 - A collage of "Doreen in Action" on the occasion of her birthday 11 June 2020.
It wasn't easy to prepare this collage. Not technically but content-wise. What pictures to leave out from the collage? I could have filled many more 4x4 collages but eventually decided rather arbitrarily on these 16. Each picture tells a story and shows Doreen's "live life to the full" personality.
Look at the picture, bottom row 3rd from left. When we were in St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands we heard that the annual big celebration/carnival was due to be held the next day in the neighboring British Virgin Islands. Of course, Doreen decided we had to go. But all the boats, yachts etc were fully booked and no seats were available. Going there by hiring a private boat was not doable, we would need passports etc etc. I found out that the chef at the restaurant at Coral World (where I was Manager) had hired a large boat and was organising a trip (making some extra money on the side.) Even for us there was no room, but he could squeeze me in. But he needed an extra waitress (selling booze on the boat was the big income) and if Doreen was prepared to sell and serve drinks he would hire her. So Doreen spent the there and back trips running up and down making already sozzled locals even drunker - but at least we got to see the Carnival.
June 2020 - Paella Dinner for Rons and Segolis
June 2020 - A visit to the Lossins
We paid a long-overdue visit to Sydney and Ari Lossin who live about an hour's drive from us. Sydney's mother and my father were cousins on the Matz side of the family. We had a most enjoyable visit, and Sydney showed us some of her old photos of the Matz family.
Click for Matz family tree and for some old pictures of Matz family.
June 2020 - Rafael goes boating
Thanks to Melly Braverman for
sending us this delightful picture of his grandson Rafael enjoying
boating in Kfar Blum last month. Rafael is the son of Yahel and Donny
and grandson of Doreen's sister Louise (and our
grand-nephew!)
(see Glazer family tree)
May 2020 - Heat wave
The third week in May 2020 was the hottest May week ever recorded. Inside we had air-conditioning but ging outside was quite unbearable.
Melly Braverman sent us this picture from Eilat with the temperature showing an incredible 49°C (120°F)
May 2020 - The Rons come for dinner
Many of the Covid-19 restrictions are being relaxed and after such a long time we were so happy that daughter Vered and the Ron family could come for a most enjoyable dinner.
May 2020 - Caroline's birthday
Our long-time very good friend Caroline Livneh celebrated her birthday. We invited her over for a cup of English tea and a birthday cake. (pictures here.)
May 2020 - welcome to baby Crutchi
Congratulations to Dikla (Segoli) and Pini Cruchi on the birth of their daughter, sister to Mili and Tal. Dikla is a sister of our daughter in law, Michal segoli.
Remembrance Day April 2020
The ban on gatherings on Remembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers meant Yaffa Loew (Schank family tree) could not visit son Guy's gravesite for the first time since his death 20 years ago.
A short while before the commemorating siren, soldiers from Guy's army unit, a local police officer, neighbors and friends gathered in the road outside Yaffa's home (observing distancing) and stood in silence with her while the siren sounded.
It was a truly emotional moment for Yaffa.
My planned large family 80th
birthday party was a victim of Covid19 and
was cancelled and replaced by a Zoom meeting with my children and
grandchildren.
Doreen spent 2 days preparing my birthday dinner consisting of a surprise menu. On the day of the dinner I was not allowed into the kitchen lest I see what whas for dinner. I found a way to get into the kitchen to prepare my coffee without discovering Doreen's secret.
I celebrated with my family on Zoom with "happy birthday" and greetings and with a birthday cake with 81 candles (yes, really!) followed by Doreen's gourmet dinner with of course beautiful silver cutlery from the set inherited by Doreen.
Doreen spent 2 days preparing my birthday dinner consisting of a surprise menu. On the day of the dinner I was not allowed into the kitchen lest I see what whas for dinner. I found a way to get into the kitchen to prepare my coffee without discovering Doreen's secret.
I celebrated with my family on Zoom with "happy birthday" and greetings and with a birthday cake with 81 candles (yes, really!) followed by Doreen's gourmet dinner with of course beautiful silver cutlery from the set inherited by Doreen.
April 2020 - Pesach seder.
This year the strict Covid-19 isolation restricions prevented us from gatherings, so like thousands of others we celebrated "together" with the help of Zoom. As the only option it was OK, but a Pesach table set for two (see picture) is not a very satisfying substitute for a real physical celebration.
March 2020 - "Virtual" exercising
Exercising
together in Coronavirus time
with
Granny in charge - Granddaughters in
charge
Click on each picture for video
Click on each picture for video
Covid-19 lockdown continues. We are finding other ways to keep together while observing 'social distance'. Our two oldest granddaughters Danielle and Lior Ron decided that exercising together with Granny Doreen was an appropriate activity. Click on each picture above for short videos.
March 2020 - Raphael Cotton and Tamar Gralnick
March 2020 - Zoe scans some old slides
Granddaughter Zoe is utilizing the break from school to scan some of her dad's old photo slides. She has sent some to us. Here is an example.
When we were young - Moran, Doreen
Aviv and Eitan (with
Lolly) at a Friday evening meal in Eilat about 1988
March 2020 - The Segolis and Levys in Eilat
Coronavirus lockdown - schools are closed, children get bored, so the Segolis went to Eilat to spend the time with the Eilat Levys.
March 2020 - A closed park
The coronavirus lockdown has kept us at home this week except for some short walks with Joanie our dog and 'outings' to buy food. Entrance to public spaces like parks is forbidden, even to the small park opposite our building.
March 2020 - Negev floods
The last few days have seen stormy weather in Israel, particularly in the normally dry southern areas. In the Negev desert the normally dry riverbeds (wadis) became rivers. Many went to see the rare sights of the flooded areas, among them son Moran Segoli and family who by chance met relative Uri Haberman and family (see Goldberg family tree) who were also there.
Moran and Michal Segoli, Uri, Deganit and Geffen Haberman, Maayan Golomb
A History of the Bacher and Kirsh families
Doreen's cousin (and Ali's older sister) Mushe Kirsh (see Nochimovitz/Nickel Family trees) has just published a book detailing the story of the Bacher and Kirsh families. We have just received a copy and have found it extremely intersting as it not only details the two families but also includes much background on our common heritage as Jews from the Baltic and Byelorussia who emigrated to South Africa.
March 2020 - Cousin Ali Bacher and Shira visit
We were delighted that Ali and Shira Bacher (see Nochimovitz/Nickel Family trees) could join us for dinner on their visit to Israel. It was a great opportunity for the some of the Nickel descendants of siblings Rose, Gertie and Julius to get together, and for many of the children to meet with Ali for the first time. We enjoyed the lovely atmosphere, the delicious food and the remembrances of Louise, Doreen and Ali from their young days when they lived in Cyrildene in Johannesburg. I said a few words and Ali movingly recounted how "Uncle Yudel" (Julius) had influenced his youth, bought him his first cricket bat and influemced his path to his great success as an international sportsman.
Purim - March 2020
Sde Boqer celebrated the Festival of Purim a few days before the official dates. As usual all the children and many of the adults wore costumes or "fancy dress", and our family of course joined in.
Both Michal and Moran benefiited from Lotem's amazing talent for make up - just look at Moran's red eye! Click for pictures of Lotem working on Moran's head.
But the real appeal of Purim this year for us was the Adloyada the tradional carnival-like parade taking place in various cities in Israel during the Purim festival. This year almost all the parades were cancelled due to the coronavirus precautions. The tradtional Adloyada at Midreshet Ben Gurion in the Negev, completely organized, prepared and staged by the high school students at the School for Environmental studies there, was "partly cancelled" as the onlookers were restricted to residents and parents of residents. Doreen and I joined in the festivities and we were extremely impressed with the standard of the floats and the enthusiasm of the high school participants.
Some of the floats - all built by the
high-schoolers
March 4th - Cousin Cecile celebrates her 60th birthday
A special "happy birthday" wish to cousin Cecile Cotton who celebrated her 60th. We are happy to see that Cecile is responding favourably to treatment. She will start another round of chemotherapy soon. (See Matz and Hershovitz/Levy family trees.)
March 2020 - Another Israel Election
The results of the latest - 3rd round - of the Israel parliamentary elections indicate we may be in for a fourth round! I voluntered to to work on election day and was the chairman of a polling station representing the Meretz-Labour party, whose results were for us very disappointing - 7 seats instead of the 10 expected.
March 2020 - Joanie on holiday
Joanie poses for a picture with the Segolis
February 2020 - Eilat
In Eilat with son Aviv and granddaughter Ilai
February 2020 - The Segolis visit the The Dead Sea area
Heavy rains, but a lot of sunshine -
this is the time when even the dessert area around the Dead Sea takes
on a special beauty with seasonal flowers including the purple
toadflax. The Segolis enjoyed a visit there documented by Lotem's
photography.
February 2020 - La Boheme at the Royal Opera House
We enjoyed an amazing performance of La Boheme at the Royal Opera house. This is the 5th time we have seen La Boheme, but the production - singing, acting, set - was so outstanding that we were moved as if this were the first time we had seen it. It was definitely one of the best Operas I have ever seen.
February 2020 - A visit to Fern's burial site
Doreen and I visited sister Fern's burial site in St Asaph, Wales. When I spoke to Fern a few days before her death she told me that she hoped to be able to eat tomatoes from the plants she had so carefully tended. Unfortunately this was not to be. So, instead of flowers, we placed her tomato plants on her grave. On our visit this week we sprinkled tomato seeds over her burial site. Perhaps they will grow.
See also This Week's Archives.
We spent two days in Chester, a 45
minute drive to sister Fern's burial
site. Chester is a delightful and picuresque city. We enjoyed walking
through
the streets and had two good meals there, including one at a popular
pub
The Harkers Arms.
Changing plans and hopefully planes at Belfast Airport.
Part of the seemingly permanent
and never-ending line at Belfast airport waiting to arrange
alternate transport arrangements.
Storm Ciara caused most flights from Belfast to London to be cancelled, including ours, and we had to join the thousands of stranded passengers trying to find alternate arrangements. After two days (!) we finally flew from Belfast to London to spend a "very" few days there.
February 2020 - Actually eating at a KFC
After so many family pictures of KFC's around the world (for example here), we finally ate at one in Belfast.
February 2020 Belfast - Tournament Directors Workshop
The staff at the Workshop I organized for improving the standard of tournament directors in Europe
Ton Kooijman (Netherlands), Fearghal O'Boyle (Ireland), Marc van Beijsterveldt (Netherlands), Gordon Rainsford (England), me, Slawek Latala (Poland), Jacob Duschek (Denmark), Peter Eidt (Germany).
February 2020 - Belfast
My fifth visit to Belfast in the last 3 years. This time I organized a bridge workshop for tournament directors. On our first night we found a restaurant near the hotel called the "Barking Dog". We had just received the picture of the Ron's new dog (see here too) which in spite of its small size had no problem barking loudly at our much larger dog Joanie. That restaurant was an obvious choice. Good food too..
Doreen took the opportunuty of again visiting the fantastic "Titanic" exhibition, which had so impressed us on a previous visit.
February 2020 - Moran in Berlin
Son Moran was in Berlin, Germany for a conference and seeing a KFC of course wanted to eat there. This was vetoed by his companions and his disappointment is clear.
January/February 2020 - KFC time in Prague
While in Prague we took our mandatory family picture of KFC (see for erxample). Although it's my favourite fast food restaurant we hardly ever eat there and did not eat there this time either. We did have a meal at our usual "Blue Duckling" Restaurant - a truly fabulous restaurant with atmoshere and great food.
Doreen took some of the wives to see the more conventional views of the old city - from left to right Doreen, Cippi Rona, Maureen Porteus and Angela Curran.
January 2020 - The Segolis ski and glide
The Segolis enjoyed their skiing holiday in Romania. While there the grandchildren enjoyed the skiing and Lotem and Maayan also loved the hang gliding.
Pictures on the pages of of Zoe, Lotem and Maayan (and also below).
January 2020 - Cholent at the Rons
Saturday lunch eating the delicious cholent prepared by Aviv Ron.
January 2020 - Friday night with the Rons and Levys
Just nice to be with family but also celebrating Itamar's school achiement and Ilai's birthday.
January 2020 - The Rons have a new dog.
Lior carries the Ron's new dog - a toy poodle. When we know her name we can add her to our "Dogs of the Family" page.
January 2020 - The Segolis fly to Romania for a ski holiday
The Segolis took a weekend trip to Eilat.
Enjoying shabbat dinner together.
January 2020 - Lunch at Meshek Barzilai vegan restaurant.
Doreen and the Segolis visited Microsculpture - the amazing exhibition of insect photographs by Levon Bliss exhibited at the Natural History Museum of Tel Aviv University. After the visit they had lunch at the currently very popular vegan restaurant Meshek Barzilai.
January 2020 - Shabbat dinner with Lior
Only 10 days or so after her operation (see here), we were thrilled that Lior (lighting the Shabbat candles) felt well enough to join us and the Segolis for Shabbat dinner..
Tamir Klaff's Old metal sculptures
Tamir, son of my late cousin Vivian, made these sculptures from old metal. You can visit his website and see more of these wonderful works.
December 2019 - A visit to Meshek Kirshner Hadash
In May 2016, on this site, we wrote:
"Moshe Kirshner, husband of relative
Rochelle (nee Bortenstein, see Schank family
tree), had his picture in the
press this week accompanied by a long
article "The farmer who is smashing the fruit market". Moshe a fruit
farmer, and his wife, were disgusted to see that fruit he was selling
to wholesalers at ILS 3 a kilogram was being sold in supermarkets at
prices ranging from ILS 15 to ILS 40. He offered to sell the fruit
(mainly nectarines and peaches) directly to the public for NIS 5-NIS 6
and put his offer on facebook. The response has been
overwhelming. Click
here for see the picture and read the article in Hebrew."
Overwhelming response is putting it
mildly.
Moshe's direct to consumer stall run by Rochelle and him, open Friday and Saturday, has expanded into a large market open 7 days a week with over 60 employees
selling tons of fruit and vegetables directly to tens of thousands of consumers every month.
In 2016 Moshe supplied 100% of the produce - today he supplies 1% with the rest coming from farmers from all over the country.
Well done, Moshe, we're very proud of you.
Moshe's direct to consumer stall run by Rochelle and him, open Friday and Saturday, has expanded into a large market open 7 days a week with over 60 employees
selling tons of fruit and vegetables directly to tens of thousands of consumers every month.
In 2016 Moshe supplied 100% of the produce - today he supplies 1% with the rest coming from farmers from all over the country.
Well done, Moshe, we're very proud of you.
The Keysons visit Israel
At the beginning of last December we travelled to Amsterdam for the unveiling of Lottie Reizer's stone, and while there enjoyed a Friday night dinner with Lottie's daughter Jose, David and the Keyson clan.(see picture). We were delighted when we had another opportunity to be with them on their visit to Israel at the end of December when daughter Vered Ron had them over for dinner.
July 2020 - 25th
(almost)
Family Reunion (Herzliya,
Netanya)
August 2020 - Croatia on the Antares 3
Doreen's Column
August 2020 - Croatia on the Antares 3
Doreen's Column