LINKS TO SPECIAL EVENTS AND PICTURES 2021
December 2021 - Aviv Ron's Glühwein
Son in law Aviv Ron made this hot spiced wine for us to enjoy. Below are the ingredients he used in making the drink. I presume he got all the ingredients right because the glühwein was very very good (and the Hennesey gave it a real kick!).
December 2021 - The Segolis and Levys in Eilat
The Segolis enjoyed a few days in Eilat with the Eilat Levys
December 2021 - Celebrating grandson Maayan's 18th birthday
On Thursday a gourmet tasting menu
meal at the Timna Restaurant and on Friday at our home with Grandfather
Avraham and Shlomit
\\\
More pictures on Maayan's
page and Zoe's page. \\\December 2021 - the Leibowitz girls
In school uniform: Hayley, Amber and Keira Leibowitz, daughters of Joshua and Natasha and granddaughters of Sharon and Joe.
Doreen plays tennis again
Doreen, who used to be an excellent player (see press cutting from The Jerusalem Post in 1979) is considering playing tennis again after a brealk of about 15 years. She wants to challenge grandson Maayan to a game. In the meantime, she's taking lessons.
December 2021 - Dinner with the Rons while the children are away.
Granddaughter Danielle Ron has completed her study term in the Galapogos and the Amazon and met up with sister Lior who is touring in central America in Mexico. With the grandkids away the Rons and we enjoyed a quiet Friday night dinner. .
December 2021 - Dinner with old friends
We had a delightful lunch with longtime friends dating back to our South Africa days - Steve and Binny Blass and Pam and Jeff Bethlehem.
l-r - Pam and Jeff Bethlehen, Binny and Steve Blass, Doreen
December 2021 - Channukah with Vered and Aviv
This year we joined daughter Vered and Aviv at their home together with Anat and Eli Tzur and Edna Yechieli (two of Aviv's sisters) and family. We celebrated Channukah with sufganiot, candle lighting and many Channukah songs. In keeping with a theme of Channukah - oil for lighting didn't run out even when it was used - we had delicious food which no matter how much one ate there still was more.
December 2021 - The Segolis hike in Mt Karkom area.
The Segolis have had to cancel their Tanzania trip due to Covid Omicron restrictions, but as a small compensation spent 4 wondeful days hiking in the Mt. Karkom area. The weather was good and the views amazing.
They hiked during the day and played games or read at night.
Mt. Karkom is believed by many to be the real site of Mt. Sinai.
Click here for the Segolis previous hike in the area in 2004
As it was during Channukah they fashioned a channukiah (with 9 arms) from wood and placed a 'real' channukiah behind an engraving on a rock depicting a menora of 6 arms.
The menora is the oldest symbol of Jerusalem and this engraving is probably about 2000 years old. (The original Menora was in the Temple of Solomon and taken as war loot when Titus and Vespasian were victorious in 70CE in the Jewish War in Judea. (see the Menora depicted on Titus' Gate in Rome.) The original was displayed for many years in Rome but was then lost. There are rumours that the Menora is still in a Vatican vault.)
The tree in the picture below is an ancient wild Pistachio in foliage. It is a remnant of a very much wetter climate and is probably aged about 2,000 years.
November 2021- Tamir Klaff and Dave Rothschild
Thank you Frankie for sending us this picture of your husband Dave and son Tamir.
November 2021
In Eilat we celebrated granddaughter Amit's 16th birthday and the 23rd wedding anniversary of Aviv and Limor.
Dinner at the Ginger Rerstaurant,
followed by ice-cream at Golda.
November 2021 - lunch in Mitspeh Ramon
On the way down to Eilat , looking for a place to eat, we found a delightful little restaurant in Mitzpeh Ramon called Soul Vegan and Vibes. Although I am not vegan or vegetarian I enjoyed my vegan hamburger with 'bacon'.
November 2021 - Itramar's swearing in ceremony
Grandson Itamar has just completed his basic training and was inducted into the Israel Army at a swearing in ceremony.
Click on the picture for a short
video.
November 2021 - EBL Meeting
European Bridge League - Executive
Meeting in Pezinok Slovakia November 2021
Front l-r: Josef Harsanyi (Germany), Sevinc Atay (Turkey), Jan Kamras (Sweden, President), Karu-Anne Opsal, (Norway), Marc De Pauw (Belgium), Jafet Olafsson (Iceland)
November 2021 - "EBL Wives"
While I was at meetings Doreen saw some of Bratislava, including a walk in the Old City with Maureen Porteus and Hildur Olafsson
November 2021 - Lior in Mexico
Granddaughter Lior seems to be having a wonderful time in Mexico.
November 2021 - More garden crops!
As we described a few weeks ago we have had bumper crops in our small garden this year, but didn't realise "how bumper". A problem with avocados is that their colour is identical to the colour of the leaves. We cropped our tree this week, and found well over a 100 beautiful avocados. We've given to neighbours, family and friends; filled the fruit drawer in our refrigerator, had avocado for breakfast and snacks, and still don't know what to do with the remainder.
Most of our papayas became ready within a few days of each other and we also distributed some of them and froze some. One of the papayas in the picture below weighed just over 2 kilos! A few days after picking the ripe papayas more have ripened and grandson Maayan picked them for us.
We also had 3 buckets of lemons. Lemons last longer than papaya and avocado but we also distributed, juiced many of them and we still have a bucketful.
(See another post on Archives from 3 weeks ago).
Itamar's first leave
In grandson Itamar Levy's second weekend in the Army he was free to go home for a day or two and to talk about his army induction experiences. Both Itamar and dad Aviv look very happy.
October 2021 - Itamar enlists in the IDF
Our eldest grandson, Itamar Levy, reported at an army base ready to be conscriped into the Israel Defence force. Military duty is compulsory and Itamar will serve three years.
Doreen and I travelled over two hours to wish Itamar good luck only to find out that we were a few minutes late and that he was about to board the bus which would take him to the enlistment centre. We could see Itamar about to board the bus, but son Aviv phoned him to tell him we had arrived and Itamar ran back to give us all a hug, and then ran back.
On the way to the bus to the
enlistment centre --- and then quickly back to
say goodbye to Saba Eitan and Granny Doreen
October 2021 - Israel museum exhibition
Doreen and friend Caroline Livneh went to Jerusalem to the Israel Museum to see long-time friend Maureen Fain who was exhibiting at a special exhibition of art works by Israel Museum art teachers.
Caroline, Maureen, DoreenOctober 2021 - a chance meeting with Varda Rosbruch
During the 1980's when we were living in the US Virgin Islands we became very friendly with Varda and her late husband Hanan Rosbruch who was representing an Israeli company involved with the desalination of water on the Island. Both .Doreen and Varda were active in the Sisterhood associated with the St Thomas Synagogue. (see picture on the right below). We saw each other for a time when we returned to Israel but we haven't had 't have much contact with them for a number of years. Hanan passed away a few years ago.
Doreen joined a tour of Naveh Sha-anan and by chance Varda was also there. They were very happy to see each other again. (see picture on the left.)
Varda and Doreen and some of the women active in the St Thomas Hebrew Sisterhood
Back: Ella Ogden, Carol Weinberger
Front: Jeanette Bastion, Nina Shafer, Varda Rosbruch, Doreen
October 2021 - some of our garden crops.
We've had mixed success in our garden this year - no mangoes and no clementines but the abundant lychees more than made up for it. Add to that reasonable quanities of Afghanistan (Pakistan) mulberriess, avocados, lemons. okra, arugala and chili peppers (3 kinds) so we're not complaining.
See update!
Here are some of our current crop
Okra
Papaya (two of a few trees)
Lemon and Avocado
See the Papaya Man.
October 2021 - Sydney's papayas
I received a picture from 2nd cousin Sydney (Brunow) Lossin (see Matz family tree) and I am happy to see that the papaya seeds I sent her have now grown into trees.
October 2021 - Tirza gets a calender,
Doreen is a volunteer Befriender with ESRA (English Speakers' Residents Association) and, Tirza, a holocaust survivor, is one of her "befriendees" (see previous picture here).ESRA publishes a yearly calender and there is a picture of Doreen and Tirza on one of the pages. On our way back from a visit to the Segolis we visted Tirza and gave her a copy of the calender.
See Doreen's Column for more about befrienders and Tirza.
October 2021 - A day with Zoe.
We spent a day with Zoe.
She showed us some parkour jumping she has been learning. Parkour is a training discipline where practioners aim to get from one point to another without assisting euipment and in the fastest and most efficient way possible. (Wikipedia). Watching Zoe jump and twist we remarked that it is only a matter of time before she jumps between buildings. Well, she already did that about a year ago.
Click
on the picture for a short video clip.
September 2021 - Fish restaurant in Jisr al Zarqa
We enjoyed a delicious fish meal with Dani and Ruti Erez at a restaurant in Jisr al Zarqa. It is the ultimate "off the beaten path" reastaurant, and is reached by walking through an old area of the Arab town. It's called Dag al Hayam - Fish by the Sea - which is almost a generic term for a fish restaurant in Israel. But it's outside and right on the beach with a view of the fishing and recreational boats. Heartily recommended (if you can find it!).
On the left, we're standing next to
our table in the restaurant, and on the right standing on the beach
lust below the restaurant.,
,September 2021 - A visit to Ziona
Doreen and friend Caroline went to vist and have lunch with good friends Dovvy and Ziona Glassman at their retirement home.
September 2021 - Eilat
Being in hot hot Eilat with
having a
cooling swim in the Red Sea is the thing to do, even if you do jump
from a
bridge
into the water. Lovely for both the elderly seniors like Doreen
and the
young like granddaughter Zoe.
Rosh Hashanah 2021
We celebrated the Jewish New Year at the home of Daughter Vered and Aviv Ron with most of our family. The food was prepared both by Doreen and the Rons and was as expected delicious - not only traditional gefilte fish and kneidlach but also roast lamb, poached salmon and many salads and vegetables and of course vegan dishes. And of course there was enough left over for a full meal for the family the next day.
While waiting for the meal we watched the Levy Chess Championshop between Aviv and Maayan (advice from Lotem)
and of course we didn't neglect our traditional shofar blowing competition won again by granddaughter Lior. Lior has won for the last 15 years - ever since she was 7 years old! (See picture.) For some previous shofar blowing pictures click here and here.
Me, Champion Lior Ron, Ilai and Amit
Levy
Lotem and Maayan
On the way back to Sde Boqer Doreen took her grandchildren to visit the fascinating Maresha-Bet Guvrin National Park. Here Zoe, Maayan and Lotem try out the burial niches in the Sidonian Cave
August-September 2021 - The Rons sail in Corfu
Daughter Vered and Aviv 'got away from it all' with a sailing trip with friends off the coast of Greece in the Corfu region. Vered, the skipper, reports having a fantastic time.
On August 1st school in Israel started and together with other families new routines were started.
Here are the Segolis on September 1st:
Top row: Zoe getting ready to bike to school; Maayan sleeping until the last minute; Lotem happy to get back to her school (a 30 minute bus ride)
Bottom row: Moran starting a new part-time job teaching Biology at a girl's high school in Yeruham about 20 minutes away; not quite school but Mikhal on her way to the univertsity where she is a lecturer.
Dani in the Galapagus.
Granddaughter Dani is enjoying her study/stay in the Galapagus.(See here). She sent us some beautiful picures she had taken, both underwater and on land. One of the best is of blue-footed boobies mating. Click here or on the picture to see a short video clip.
August 2021 - The Eilatis prepare a meal
Itamar and Amit in Eilat used Doreen's
recipes for preparing
curry and vegetarian chopped liver, which I understand was very
successful.
Our grandchildren take great interest in cooking and preparing food. This is not surprising in view of the delicious meals Doreen prepares for them, and also because she always enlists their help in cooking when they are with us. In addition Limor (son Aviv's wife) in Eilat is an excellent cook as is Aviv (daughter Vered's husband). The grandchildren sometimes refer to Doreen's cookbook "A Potpouri of Memories" written in 1995 and they either improvise on recipes in it, or refer to other cookbooks.
See
another picture below. There is a link to the page page in the
cookbook (in nomal text size) by clicking on
the page below. Doreen's cookbook included comments on some of
the circumstances of hearing about or using the recipe. Read her
comments following the recipe.Our grandchildren take great interest in cooking and preparing food. This is not surprising in view of the delicious meals Doreen prepares for them, and also because she always enlists their help in cooking when they are with us. In addition Limor (son Aviv's wife) in Eilat is an excellent cook as is Aviv (daughter Vered's husband). The grandchildren sometimes refer to Doreen's cookbook "A Potpouri of Memories" written in 1995 and they either improvise on recipes in it, or refer to other cookbooks.
For some of the many cooking efforts of our grandchildren, see: Maayan, Zoe, Lior
August 2021 - Enjoying the pool.
We had a mini family gathering
with
Aviv and his children, joined by Moran and Mikhal with their
children,as well as Lior the representative of the Rons. Our
grandchildren had not been together for a long time and it was really
heartwarming for Doreen and I to see how
well the cousins got on together. They enjoyed each others company at
our
house in HaBashan Netanya and had a marvelous time at the pool of our
good friends Ruti and Dani. Here are
some pictures of the morning at
the pool.
Click for a picture of breakfast at Habashan.
August 2021 - The Segolis come for the weekend
We went to the Segolis at Midreshet Ben Gurion to help look after the children while mom Mikhal was having medical treatment. We returned the next day with the children who spent the weekend with us.
We enjoyed a meal at a local cafe, and the three children helped Doreen prepare roast duck and apple pie - both delicious.
The highlight was a visit to a glass
blowing workshop at Caesarea National Park, where they made a glass
bowl.
More pictures of the glass blowing on the pages of Maayan, Lotem and Zoe.
August 13, 2021 - Nataliew Leibowitz turns 50
Natalie Leibowitz, daughter of my cousin Sharon and Joe Leibowitz in Melbourne Australia, turns 50
Click for a picture taken earlier this year of Sharon and some of her family.
Auguast 2021 - Bridge party for Louise's birthday
August 2021 - RIP, Colin
We are saddened by the news of the passing after a long illness of long-time friend Colin Gorfil. We have known Colin for over 60 years, me from University and Doreen from holidays he spent in Durban South Africa where we lived. When we lived in Hofit we were neighbours of Colin and his wife Ella, who passed away many years ago. After leaving Hofit we kept up a close relationship and often met him and his delightful wife Hadas and mutual friends for dinner. ( see pictures here and here).
Colin and Doreen on the beach in Durban South Africa
(about 1961)August 2021
Doreen and I had our third Covid vaccination. By the number of shoppers at the mall where we had our injection it was hard to believe that the infection rate is so high and going up. We wanted coffee after our vaccinations and all the tables were taken and we had to put our coffees and pastries on a chair.
August 2021 - Denise Braverman 'ironmanning' in Estonia
Click on the picture for a short video.
Our niece Denise travelled to Estonia last week to take part in an IronMan event, a real test of endurance:
3.8 kms swimming
180 kms cycling
42 kms marathon
She finished in 14 hrs 9 minutes!
Denise continues to amaze us with her feats.
See pictures of some of her achievements in the IronMan competitions, triathlon , full 42 km marathon., climbing Mt Kilimanjaro and running with a blind runner.
While in Estonia Denise visited with our relatives (Doreen's 2nd cousin) Heini and Tiina Drui (Schank tree) and sent us this picture which brought back pleasant memories of our visit to Tallinn a few years ago.
August 2021 - Have a great time Dani!
We all drank champagne and ate an Indian meal when we wished granddaughter Danielle Ron an enjoyable and productive stay on the Galapagos Islands. As part of her University course Dani will be spending a few months in Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We hope your project is productive and enjoyable - bon voyage Dani.
Zoe enjoys a sushi meal
Zoe came and stayed with us and Joanie on Friday night and with Vered's family and Alma on Saturday night.
Friday night Zoe and we enjoyed a sushi meal at the Japanika Restaurant near us.
July 2021 - A visit to Jerusalem
Doreen, daughter Vered and granddaughters Danielle and her friend Oz, and Lior and her friend Gal went to Jerusalem for a fun day.
They went to the market, had lunch at
a vegetarian restaurant " צmach"
and saw an exhibition and enjoyed a
wine
tasting in the grounds of the museum
July 2021
Since our crop of lychees is almost gone we are fortunate that we can now enjoy now the fruit from our Pakistan mulberry tree.
When I was young and lived in Durban, South Africa, we had a mulberry tree which not only gave delicious (and messy!) mulberries but also supplied the leaves for raising silk worms - a popular activity for me and my friends.
The Pakistan, or Afghanistan, mulberry is very similar to the ordinary mulberry but very much elongated and sweeter. They resemble, with some imagination, what hairy dark silkworms might look like.
Picking the elongatec mulberries (see insert)A new KFC
A new addition to my old friends KFC and a warning to Col. Sanders: You have stiff competition. Daughter-in-law Limor Levy prepared some chicken KFC style and it looks delicious!
July 2021 - Dinner with the Rons and Alexandra and Jonathan Keyson.
Clockwise:
Daughter Vered Ron, Alexandra and Jonathan Keyson, Oz, granddaughter
Danielle, Doreen, granddaughter Lior Ron, son-in-law Aviv Ron.
Jonathan and Alexander Keyson joined Vered and Aviv Ron and girls and
us at dinner at the
Rons on Friday
night. Jonathan Keyson is the grandson of our close and longtime
friends Hans Reijzer Reijzer and his late wife Lottie. Jonathan and
two of
his
brothers have a start-up, Riverside,
which last week featured in this aritcle in
Haaretz newspaer on the 20 most promising Israeli startups to follow in
2021: At a time when the entire world is transitioning to video chats, and podcast listeners are at an all-time high, Riverside has launched the right product at the right time. It has created a sort of online recording studio that enables you to easily edit interviews conducted by video chat, using your browser, with no need for editing software or professional knowledge. But Riverside's product is not just for amateurs: CNN uses it to record, edit, and broadcast televised interviews. Disney uses it for intra-organizational communications, recording managers' messages and sending them to workers in video format. Spotify, as well as independent podcast producers, use Riverside to record voice interviews, and other companies use it to record and edit webinars, lectures or panels for virtual conferences, and to produce video content for social media.
The service resembles a video chat software such as Zoom in its appearance. Riverside's technology records the conversation locally on the device (computer or smartphone), and then uploads it to the cloud - this allows it to retain the original sound and image quality, regardless of the participants' internet connection problems.
"That's our secret sauce," say the founders. The user receives simple editing options, including adding a logo and various effects. "Before, this would have been an exhausting process, taking hours. We make it shorter and simpler. That's why we're growing so fast."
The founders are the three young Keyson brothers, who grew up in the Netherlands: Nadav (27), Gideon (23) and Jonathan (29). There's a fourth brother, 17, who is not part of the company, "yet," as they put it. Gideon and Jonathan (formerly an executive in the Israeli firm Riskified) reside in Israel, and Nadav plans to join them soon. In August the company will open its first offices, in Tel Aviv.
July 2021 - Doreen spent a lovely day sailing with skipper daughter Vered.
July 2021 Tallulah Wood
2nd cousin Susan Nathan sent us this delightful picture of her gorgeous granddaughter Tallula, daughter of Tanya (Nathan) and Stephen Wood.
July 2001 - Whoops!
To summarize:
A neighbour knocked on the door - burst water pipe ouside - straight out of bed (barefoot) to see - whoops slipped on the wet slippery floor - cracked head, bashed my eye (how I don't know) - ambulance with Doreen in car close (very!) behind - CT Scan - hole in head treated after cutting hair - stitches in eye-lid and scratched eye treated - moral support from Doreen and daughter Vered - back home.with wonderful and caring Doreen and under the watchful eyes of son Aviv..
July 2021 -Our lychee tree
This year we've had a bountiful crop of absolutely delicious lychees.
When we lived in Hofit we had a lychee tree that usually gave lots of fruit. One year there were very few lychees and they were quickly all eaten. Imagine our surprise on morning on seeing our tree suddenly filled with lychees. On closer examination we realised that son Moran had bought lychees and strung them up on our tree! No need for that this year.
June 2021 - Yehoram Gaon and Aviv
Yehoram Gaon (see Wikipedia) , one of Israel's greatest stars (if not the greatest) visited Coral World Eilat. Son Aviv, who is the curator of Coral World, recognized him and amazingly remembered that there was a picture of a previous visit with his son and daughter about 30 years ago and Yehoram was happy to receive the picture.
Pictures from now and from 30 years ago
June 2021 - The Rons visit the USA
The Rons, Vered, Aviv, Danielle and Lior, made a short visit to USA
Enjoying New York. Click for
pictures of Lior enjoying a
NY Bagel.Athough they have spent many years in the USA they have never before visited Fire Island, one of the barrier reef islands off Long Island, New York. (I hadn't even heard of it). They were the guests of the parents of one of Vered's business associates. One of the highlights was going to the beach and seeing deer frolicking in the sea. Click on the picture below for a short video cut.
Click picture for videoThe Segolis returned this week from a short vacation in Switzerland. Mikhal, Zoe and especially Lotem love to draw and show much talent. So apart from relaxation, hiking, enjoyment and "getting away from it all" the purpose of the trip was to give them the opportunity to experience and depict new sights.
More pictures of their vacation are in the Week's Picture Archives, and on Lotem's and Zoe's page.
June 2021 -Lunch with the Kessels and Porters
Long-time friends Louise and Colin Kessel, and Basil and Noga Porter came for a Saturday lunch and in addition to the delicious food and salads prepared by Doreen it was lovely chatting with old and good friends.
June 2021 - A
hike and picnic in Ein Aviel
Doreen, Aviv, Amit and Ilai went to Ein Aviel, about 1/2 hour from us, where springs in the area flow into the Nahal Taninim making a lovely spot for a short hike and a picnic. .
June 2021 - Celebrating Aviv's 53rd birthday
Son Aviv Levy came up from Eilat with his daughters Amit and Ilai and we celebrated his birthday (21st June) at the home of daughter Vered and Aviv Ron.
The main courses were prepared both in Netanya by Doreen (poached salmon) with the granddaughters' help, and in Herzliya by Aviv Ron (roast chilcken). Both were delicious!
KFC in Israel
After a break of many many years it seems that KFC has returned to Israel. There is a branch in Nazereth and evidently in Beersheva as seen in this picture of the Segolis enjoying a meal there.
KFC is my favourite fast food restaurant, and the family looks for KFC's in the various countries they visit and send me photos. See some previous family KFC visits in Wuhan China, Brasov Romania, Moscow Russia, Shenzhen China, Mongolia and Istanbul, Berlin Germany, Belfast N.Ireland, Prague Czechia.
June 2021 - Welcome to Ayla
This is lovely baby Ayla, daughter of Sean and Louise Barron. Louise is the daughter of long-time friend David Rothschild, now married to Frankie who was the wife of my cousin, the late Vivian Klaff.
Congratulations also to aunt Estelle Sapir, also a friend from our Durban days so long ago. .
June 11 - Doreen's 77th birthday
We celebrated Doreen's birthday at the Yamas Greek Taverna, and were happy that the Rons and Segolis could join us. Unfortunately the Levys, living in distant Eilat, couldn't make it but we received this delightful birthday greeting from them.
June 2021 - dinner with Jan Kamras
We enjoyed a dinner with Jan, President of the European Bridge League at the Porter and Sons Restaurant in Tel Aviv. Doreen showed commendable patience as Jan and I inevitably began discussing bridge matters. (Better than health and political discussions!)
Tel Aviv skyline
On the way to the restaurant we passed the Sarona area and this skyline caught our attention. We were amazed by the amount of building going on here in the centre of Tel Aviv.
May 2021 - A visit to Tirza Naor.
A couple of weeks ago, after a visit to the Segolis, we visited Tirza Naor in nearby Omer on her 97th birthday. Doreen is a volunteer Befriender with the ESRA organisation and Tirza, a holocaust survivor, is one of her "befriendees".
May 2021 - Zvike and Zahava Karlsblad in Eilat with son Aviv Levy
See Schank Family tree.
May 2021 - With the Segolis at Kornmehl farm
During a visit to the Segolis in Midreshet Ben Gurion we enjoyed a light lunch at the Kornmehl Farm, a nearby farm and restaurant in the Negev Desset.
May 2021 - Doreen and Hazel Wolfson
May 2021 - Doreen visits Susan Nathan
Susan lives in Nof Hagalil, a town just outside Nazareth with a mixed Jewish-Arab population. After all the unrest in the mixed towns in Israel things have quietened somewhat and Doreen decided to visit Susan (see Levy family tree) and see how she was coping.
Doreen reports a lovely visit and a lovely lunch at a local restaurant.
Click for a previous visit last month.
A safer place during hostilities
While Yaffa was staying with us Doreen took the opportunity of taking her to visit the pedestrian street in nearby town Zichron Yaakov
At Vered and Aviv Ron's house Aviv took the opportunity to show little Yaara how to feed little dog Alma. (click on the picture for a short video)
May 2021 - baby Carno
Congratulations to cousin Cecile (Levy) Cotton on the birth of another grandchild - a baby girl named Naomi Tova. Mazaltov to mommy and daddy Jenna and Yonatan Carno and to sisters Meira and Kaela. Cecile sent us this picture of the day-old baby. (see Levy and Matz family trees).
May 2021 - Aviv dives in St Lucia
Morris Kahn and son Aviv Levy dived off Saint Lucia Island in the Caribbean.
May 2021 - The Leibowitzes
Thanks to cousin Sharon (Levy) Leibowitz for this recent picture of some of her family.(see Levy and Matz family trees).
Sharon, Joe, Natalie, Dona, Erica, Daniel, with Michaela in front
May 2021 - A family helps keeping the streets clean
To her amazement while walking the dog Doreen met this exceptional family picking up trash in the streets near us. Doreen: "I thought my collecting dogs' poo was my solitary madness and I am thrilled to meet other people who want to keep our streets clean."
May 2021 - Lewinski Market
The Rons answer to the rocket attacks was to go to the Levinski Market in Tel Aviv to enjoy a delicious meal and to buy some tasty items to take home.
May 2021 - Alma Pashas celebrates her batmitzvah
We celebrated the batmitzvah of Alma Pashas, daughter of Moriah (Kirshner) and Gil, and grandaughter of Rochele (Bortenstein) and Moshe Kirshner. The party had been postponed due to the Corona virus and was well catered and with plenty of activites for the younger ones to enjoy. We enjoyed the party and seeing so many family again. See Schank family tree.
Alma and Doreen
1st Ocean Tech Community event
At the launching of the Ocean Tech Community, which deals with water and sea issues, both of our sons Aviv and Moran were invited to give short summaries of the work they do.
There is a picture of Moran here, and below of Aviv, giving their talks.
Vered takes care of Lotem and Zoe
While daughter in law Mikhal Segoli was in hospital, daughter Vered went to Midreshet Ben Gurion to take care of Mikhal's daughters Lotem and Zoe, and to bake and eat muffins for Saba's birthday and Mikhal's return.
The Segolis visit Superland
As part of Zoe's birthday celebrations the Segolis visited Superland. It looks like they had a great time.
Vered and Aviv celebrate 30 years of marriage
Instead of going to a restaurant Vered and Aviv pooled their talents for a gourmet 30th annibersary meal at home.
BBQ #3 - at our home
With Caroline, Louise, Sybil, Yael , Doreen, Eitan (photographer) at our home.
BBQ #2 at the Rons
With Vered and Aviv and our granddaughters Dani and Lior and some of their friends. Lots of food choices including many Vegan.
At the BBQ of Terry and Carol Kessel
Noga and Basil Porter (with Geoff Bethlehem in the background) and
Doreen with Carol and Terry Kessel. (The bearded guy is the one
who prepared the Shwarma and the many salads).
Independance Day Flyover
Watching the flyover from the beach in Herzliya. Aviv and Vered Ron (with Alma) , and Doreen
Aviv in The Marker Magazine
The financial newspaper The Marker publishes a magazine supplement. The supplement appearing on Israel's Independance Day included an article on people who have unusual jobs "Tasting 200 Cups of Coffee a day and Feeding a Shark." Five people were featured, including son Aviv.
For the English version, titled "So, what's it like to have one of the coolest jobs in Israel?" see below or go directly to Haaretz,
Here is the whole two page article in Hebrew
Diana Restaurant - Nazereth
After visiting Susan Doreen and I went for lunch at the Diana Restaurant in Nazereth. After a few delicious salads we ordered their famous lamb kebabs and were not disappointed. The kebabs are not minced by machine but manually freshly chopped and mixed with herbs. Recommended!
April 2021 - Visiting cousin Susan Nathan
We visited Susan Nathan who is at the Nof HaGalil Retirement Home in Nazareth and spent a few pleasant hours with her.
Pesach (Passover) 2021
We had a fabulous seder tonight at the home of Vered and Aviv.
All 16 of our immediate family took part - so it was like a family reunion.
We had a reasonably traditional seder with only a few passages left out .
Zoe sang the Four Questions mah nishtana
Then followed a feast fit for kings including vegan options: chopped liver both real and vegan, gefilte fish with chrain, chicken soup with kneidlach, roast lamb, baked salmon, gnocci in tomato sauce,all accompanied by salada and matza of course, and plenty of wine. Some delicious deserts, including Pear Helene and ice-cream, finished off the meal - and us.
We had eaten so much that we needed a break before concluding the seder, and some relaxed by playing chess
and the evening was concluded by a highly successful singing of Chad Gadya and Echad-mi-yodea and a medley of favourite Hebrew songs.
Doreen at the polling station, preparing to receive voters
Spring flowers
Doreen, Aviv, Amit and Ilai went to Ein Aviel, about 1/2 hour from us, where springs in the area flow into the Nahal Taninim making a lovely spot for a short hike and a picnic. .
June 2021 - Celebrating Aviv's 53rd birthday
Son Aviv Levy came up from Eilat with his daughters Amit and Ilai and we celebrated his birthday (21st June) at the home of daughter Vered and Aviv Ron.
The main courses were prepared both in Netanya by Doreen (poached salmon) with the granddaughters' help, and in Herzliya by Aviv Ron (roast chilcken). Both were delicious!
KFC in Israel
After a break of many many years it seems that KFC has returned to Israel. There is a branch in Nazereth and evidently in Beersheva as seen in this picture of the Segolis enjoying a meal there.
KFC is my favourite fast food restaurant, and the family looks for KFC's in the various countries they visit and send me photos. See some previous family KFC visits in Wuhan China, Brasov Romania, Moscow Russia, Shenzhen China, Mongolia and Istanbul, Berlin Germany, Belfast N.Ireland, Prague Czechia.
June 2021 - Welcome to Ayla
This is lovely baby Ayla, daughter of Sean and Louise Barron. Louise is the daughter of long-time friend David Rothschild, now married to Frankie who was the wife of my cousin, the late Vivian Klaff.
Congratulations also to aunt Estelle Sapir, also a friend from our Durban days so long ago. .
June 11 - Doreen's 77th birthday
We celebrated Doreen's birthday at the Yamas Greek Taverna, and were happy that the Rons and Segolis could join us. Unfortunately the Levys, living in distant Eilat, couldn't make it but we received this delightful birthday greeting from them.
June 2021 - dinner with Jan Kamras
We enjoyed a dinner with Jan, President of the European Bridge League at the Porter and Sons Restaurant in Tel Aviv. Doreen showed commendable patience as Jan and I inevitably began discussing bridge matters. (Better than health and political discussions!)
Tel Aviv skyline
On the way to the restaurant we passed the Sarona area and this skyline caught our attention. We were amazed by the amount of building going on here in the centre of Tel Aviv.
May 2021 - A visit to Tirza Naor.
A couple of weeks ago, after a visit to the Segolis, we visited Tirza Naor in nearby Omer on her 97th birthday. Doreen is a volunteer Befriender with the ESRA organisation and Tirza, a holocaust survivor, is one of her "befriendees".
May 2021 - Zvike and Zahava Karlsblad in Eilat with son Aviv Levy
See Schank Family tree.
May 2021 - With the Segolis at Kornmehl farm
During a visit to the Segolis in Midreshet Ben Gurion we enjoyed a light lunch at the Kornmehl Farm, a nearby farm and restaurant in the Negev Desset.
May 2021 - Doreen and Hazel Wolfson
Doreen was happy to meet up with Hazel
Wolfson and her friend Dorothy. Hazel and her late husband Alon were
our neighbours in Hofit and we remained friendly even after we left
Hofit.
Doreen, Hazel Wolfson, Dorothy Belkind
May 2021 - Doreen visits Susan Nathan
Susan lives in Nof Hagalil, a town just outside Nazareth with a mixed Jewish-Arab population. After all the unrest in the mixed towns in Israel things have quietened somewhat and Doreen decided to visit Susan (see Levy family tree) and see how she was coping.
Doreen reports a lovely visit and a lovely lunch at a local restaurant.
Click for a previous visit last month.
A safer place during hostilities
During the hostilities between Hamas and
Israel there was
especially heavy firing on Ashkelon and Ashdod, where relatives
Yaffa
(Bortenstein) Loew and the Shavit family live. Fortunately
they did not have a
direct hit but spent a lot of time in shelters, so we invited them to
come and stay with us for a few days as our area was only a mildly
threatened area. Yaffa spent a few days with us, and her daughter Vered
(Loew)
Shavit with her four children stayed with our daughter Vered Ron and
Aviv Ron. (see Schank family tree)
While Yaffa was staying with us Doreen took the opportunity of taking her to visit the pedestrian street in nearby town Zichron Yaakov
At Vered and Aviv Ron's house Aviv took the opportunity to show little Yaara how to feed little dog Alma. (click on the picture for a short video)
May 2021 - baby Carno
Congratulations to cousin Cecile (Levy) Cotton on the birth of another grandchild - a baby girl named Naomi Tova. Mazaltov to mommy and daddy Jenna and Yonatan Carno and to sisters Meira and Kaela. Cecile sent us this picture of the day-old baby. (see Levy and Matz family trees).
May 2021 - Aviv dives in St Lucia
Morris Kahn and son Aviv Levy dived off Saint Lucia Island in the Caribbean.
May 2021 - The Leibowitzes
Thanks to cousin Sharon (Levy) Leibowitz for this recent picture of some of her family.(see Levy and Matz family trees).
Sharon, Joe, Natalie, Dona, Erica, Daniel, with Michaela in front
May 2021 - A family helps keeping the streets clean
To her amazement while walking the dog Doreen met this exceptional family picking up trash in the streets near us. Doreen: "I thought my collecting dogs' poo was my solitary madness and I am thrilled to meet other people who want to keep our streets clean."
May 2021 - Lewinski Market
The Rons answer to the rocket attacks was to go to the Levinski Market in Tel Aviv to enjoy a delicious meal and to buy some tasty items to take home.
May 2021 - Alma Pashas celebrates her batmitzvah
We celebrated the batmitzvah of Alma Pashas, daughter of Moriah (Kirshner) and Gil, and grandaughter of Rochele (Bortenstein) and Moshe Kirshner. The party had been postponed due to the Corona virus and was well catered and with plenty of activites for the younger ones to enjoy. We enjoyed the party and seeing so many family again. See Schank family tree.
Alma and Doreen1st Ocean Tech Community event
At the launching of the Ocean Tech Community, which deals with water and sea issues, both of our sons Aviv and Moran were invited to give short summaries of the work they do.
There is a picture of Moran here, and below of Aviv, giving their talks.
Vered takes care of Lotem and Zoe
While daughter in law Mikhal Segoli was in hospital, daughter Vered went to Midreshet Ben Gurion to take care of Mikhal's daughters Lotem and Zoe, and to bake and eat muffins for Saba's birthday and Mikhal's return.
The Segolis visit Superland
As part of Zoe's birthday celebrations the Segolis visited Superland. It looks like they had a great time.
Vered and Aviv celebrate 30 years of marriage
Instead of going to a restaurant Vered and Aviv pooled their talents for a gourmet 30th annibersary meal at home.
BBQ #3 - at our home
With Caroline, Louise, Sybil, Yael , Doreen, Eitan (photographer) at our home.
BBQ #2 at the Rons
With Vered and Aviv and our granddaughters Dani and Lior and some of their friends. Lots of food choices including many Vegan.
At the BBQ of Terry and Carol Kessel
Independance Day Flyover
Watching the flyover from the beach in Herzliya. Aviv and Vered Ron (with Alma) , and Doreen
Aviv in The Marker Magazine
The financial newspaper The Marker publishes a magazine supplement. The supplement appearing on Israel's Independance Day included an article on people who have unusual jobs "Tasting 200 Cups of Coffee a day and Feeding a Shark." Five people were featured, including son Aviv.
For the English version, titled "So, what's it like to have one of the coolest jobs in Israel?" see below or go directly to Haaretz,
Here is the whole two page article in Hebrew
Diana Restaurant - Nazereth
After visiting Susan Doreen and I went for lunch at the Diana Restaurant in Nazereth. After a few delicious salads we ordered their famous lamb kebabs and were not disappointed. The kebabs are not minced by machine but manually freshly chopped and mixed with herbs. Recommended!
April 2021 - Visiting cousin Susan Nathan
We visited Susan Nathan who is at the Nof HaGalil Retirement Home in Nazareth and spent a few pleasant hours with her.
Pesach (Passover) 2021
We had a fabulous seder tonight at the home of Vered and Aviv.
All 16 of our immediate family took part - so it was like a family reunion.
We had a reasonably traditional seder with only a few passages left out .
Zoe sang the Four Questions mah nishtana
Then followed a feast fit for kings including vegan options: chopped liver both real and vegan, gefilte fish with chrain, chicken soup with kneidlach, roast lamb, baked salmon, gnocci in tomato sauce,all accompanied by salada and matza of course, and plenty of wine. Some delicious deserts, including Pear Helene and ice-cream, finished off the meal - and us.
We had eaten so much that we needed a break before concluding the seder, and some relaxed by playing chess
After a short search Zoe found the afikoman
(confirmed by comparing the two halves)
and the evening was concluded by a highly successful singing of Chad Gadya and Echad-mi-yodea and a medley of favourite Hebrew songs.
Doreen at the polling station, preparing to receive voters
Spring flowers
It's spring and son
Moran and Mikhal Segoli went up north to the Golan to see the beautiful
flowers that the onset of spring brings to the country. On the left are
irises and on the right the much rarer White Iris.
We looked after the grandchildren while Moran and Mikhal were away. We always enjoy it, but this time we had to deal with Maayan's giant splinter.
March 2021: A meal in Tel Aviv
Doreen and I are making the most of the easing of the Covid restrictions. We enjoyed a delicious meal at the Porter and Sons restaurant in Tel Aviv, which had been recommended to us by our Italian friend Maurizio. We enjoyed a meal there some years ago and this visit was no disappointment.
At the restaurant we whatsapped Maurizio who regretted he wasn't with us, but was nevertheless enjoying a salami he had made:
"I made a salami called "soppressata". You boil the head of a pig, take all the meat off, dress it with salt, pepper, nutmeg and garlic, stuff it in a bag and refrigertate for 24 hours. Delicious."
Enjoying a meal at the Porter & Sons restaurantMarch 2021 - erev pesach
I volunteer once a week for an hour or so tutoring middle school pupils in English via zoom. A few days ago I received a visit from them and their teacher wishing me a happy Passover holiday. Both Doreen and I were touched by this simple gesture which says so much about the teacher, Alice, and her relationship with her pupils.
March 2021 - The
Eilat Levys demonstrate
There are plans by a joint Israel-United Arab Emirates company to transfer crude oil through a pipe line from Eilat to the Mediterrean. Many experts fear that an oil leak could severely damage Red Sea Coral reefs, or cripple other marine life in the Medirerranean and halt desalination off the Mediterranean coast that supplies much of Israel's drinking water.
(See, for example, a detailed article in the Times of Israel).
Son Aviv and his children joined a demonstration against this plan. See another picture in the Archives. We are happy that our grandchildren are active in the causes they believe in - especially, but not only, when we identify with their actions.
March 2021 Covid restrictions relaxed
In mid-March the relaxation of the restrictions allowed doing things apart from visiting family and shopping:
We went to Kibbutz Yizrael about an hour's drive away to enjoy a 'braai' (barbecue) with long-time friends from our South African days Binny and Steve Blass. We were happy to meet some others there whom we have not seen for many many years.
At the kibbutz we sat on a bench dedicated to the memory of my cousin Vivian Klaff, who was a close friend of the Blasses.
* We invited our neighbour's two children, Maayan aged 8 and Hila aged 6, for breakfast while their parents were at work. They devoured the pancakes Doreen had made, lavished with Maple syrup. It seems grandparents are essential - even if they are not your own! (Last year, during a lockdown break, we invited them for supper.)
March 2021 - Family visit to Eilat
We and the Segolis joined the Eilati Levys in Eilat. The highlight was meeting at Coral World for a barbecue with countless delicious salads prepared by Limor. While the adults rested and talked the younger children enjoyed the freedom of finally enjoying open spaces. It's always a pleasure to see how our grandchildren get along so well with each other. (see for example the picture on granddaughter Zoe's page).
Lior and Aviv made sure the food - including vegan options - was cooked just right, and the adults sat and stood around the fire and chatted and listened to music.
See a picture of all of us enjoying the meal.
The next morning most of the family visited Timna, always an interesting location for a walk.
March 2021 - Adloyada at Midreshet Ben Gurion (Sde Boqer)
Purim this year was "business as usual" at Midreshet Ben Gurion, where the high school students prepared and staged their traditional adloyada, a carnival-like parade. Due to Covid restrictions this year non-residents could not attend. The theme this year was "Dreams" and below we can see the floats that grandson Maayan was involved in - the BFG (Big Friendly Giant, from Roald Dahl's book) who could trap dreams and a float representing "nightmares".
The adloyada is an opportunity for the students to express their creativity and also to let "their hair down" - see for example Maayan enjoying himself.
February 2021 - Finally, famiy outings
With most Covid restrictions lessened many are enjoying getting out and visiting friends, relatives and places. Taking advantage of the sunny (though cold) weather the Rons visited the Naharayim Park just south of the Kinereth (Sea of Galilee) and the Segolis went right up to Israel's northernmost beach, Betzet, and are spending a few days at the camping site there
Lesotho
A visit to Lesotho about 1997
On a visit to Southern Africa with Aviv and Limor we also visited Lesotho
Snow in the desert
It's rare but this year the higher areas of the Negev desert had snow and the Segolis were happy to take advantage of the snow in their "backyard" and enjoy the desert snow on the Amasa Hill (הר עמשא) part of the Hebron Hills in the northern Negev. The camel is in the area bordering on the man-made Yatir forest. What's a desert without camels?
See also Archives 2021.
February 2021 - Solar Receptors for the Segolis
The Segolis are continuing going "green". They have installed a battery of solar receptors on the roof of their house, together with about another 30 households in the area. The electricity produced is fed into the electricity grid.
February 2021 - Family meetings resume.
No more lockdown and we have green 'passports' so a family weekend was called for. On Friday the Rons, Aviv and Moran and their daughters came for dinner. The Segolis and Levys slept over and then on Saturday we all went for brunch to Vered and the Rons, followed by a family walk..
February 2021 - A visit to Midreshet Ben Gurion
We took advantage of theend of the lockdown and getting our new car and spent today in Midreshet Ben Gurion in Sde Boqer with our son Moran Segoli and family and with daughter Vered, Aviv and Danielle. On the way there we stopped at Moran's place of work - the Agriculture Research and Development Unit in the Negev - and heard from him about his various projects there.
It was also an opportunity
to celebrate (a little late) Moran's
birthday.
It was a warm sunny day and we enjoyed sitting outside and chatting, while granddaughters Lotem and Danielle went head to head at chess.
February 6, 2021 - Tamar Moskovitz's batmitzvah
There are plans by a joint Israel-United Arab Emirates company to transfer crude oil through a pipe line from Eilat to the Mediterrean. Many experts fear that an oil leak could severely damage Red Sea Coral reefs, or cripple other marine life in the Medirerranean and halt desalination off the Mediterranean coast that supplies much of Israel's drinking water.
(See, for example, a detailed article in the Times of Israel).
Son Aviv and his children joined a demonstration against this plan. See another picture in the Archives. We are happy that our grandchildren are active in the causes they believe in - especially, but not only, when we identify with their actions.
In mid-March the relaxation of the restrictions allowed doing things apart from visiting family and shopping:
We went to Kibbutz Yizrael about an hour's drive away to enjoy a 'braai' (barbecue) with long-time friends from our South African days Binny and Steve Blass. We were happy to meet some others there whom we have not seen for many many years.
-
Clockwise from l-r: Me, Binny Blass, Lulu Kahn, ?, Selwyn Meyers,
Doreen,
Hilary, Steve Blass Bernice Meyers (out of the picture Keith Akiva
Greenberg).
At the kibbutz we sat on a bench dedicated to the memory of my cousin Vivian Klaff, who was a close friend of the Blasses.
* We invited our neighbour's two children, Maayan aged 8 and Hila aged 6, for breakfast while their parents were at work. They devoured the pancakes Doreen had made, lavished with Maple syrup. It seems grandparents are essential - even if they are not your own! (Last year, during a lockdown break, we invited them for supper.)
l-r: Danielle R, Dina L, Yardena L,
Jonty L, Vered R, Aviv R, Lior R
March 2021 - Family visit to Eilat
We and the Segolis joined the Eilati Levys in Eilat. The highlight was meeting at Coral World for a barbecue with countless delicious salads prepared by Limor. While the adults rested and talked the younger children enjoyed the freedom of finally enjoying open spaces. It's always a pleasure to see how our grandchildren get along so well with each other. (see for example the picture on granddaughter Zoe's page).
Lior and Aviv made sure the food - including vegan options - was cooked just right, and the adults sat and stood around the fire and chatted and listened to music.
See a picture of all of us enjoying the meal.
The next morning most of the family visited Timna, always an interesting location for a walk.
March 2021 - Adloyada at Midreshet Ben Gurion (Sde Boqer)
Purim this year was "business as usual" at Midreshet Ben Gurion, where the high school students prepared and staged their traditional adloyada, a carnival-like parade. Due to Covid restrictions this year non-residents could not attend. The theme this year was "Dreams" and below we can see the floats that grandson Maayan was involved in - the BFG (Big Friendly Giant, from Roald Dahl's book) who could trap dreams and a float representing "nightmares".
The adloyada is an opportunity for the students to express their creativity and also to let "their hair down" - see for example Maayan enjoying himself.
February 2021 - Finally, famiy outings
With most Covid restrictions lessened many are enjoying getting out and visiting friends, relatives and places. Taking advantage of the sunny (though cold) weather the Rons visited the Naharayim Park just south of the Kinereth (Sea of Galilee) and the Segolis went right up to Israel's northernmost beach, Betzet, and are spending a few days at the camping site there
LesothoA visit to Lesotho about 1997
On a visit to Southern Africa with Aviv and Limor we also visited Lesotho
Snow in the desert
It's rare but this year the higher areas of the Negev desert had snow and the Segolis were happy to take advantage of the snow in their "backyard" and enjoy the desert snow on the Amasa Hill (הר עמשא) part of the Hebron Hills in the northern Negev. The camel is in the area bordering on the man-made Yatir forest. What's a desert without camels?
See also Archives 2021.
February 2021 - Solar Receptors for the Segolis
The Segolis are continuing going "green". They have installed a battery of solar receptors on the roof of their house, together with about another 30 households in the area. The electricity produced is fed into the electricity grid.
February 2021 - Family meetings resume.
No more lockdown and we have green 'passports' so a family weekend was called for. On Friday the Rons, Aviv and Moran and their daughters came for dinner. The Segolis and Levys slept over and then on Saturday we all went for brunch to Vered and the Rons, followed by a family walk..
February 2021 - A visit to Midreshet Ben Gurion
We took advantage of theend of the lockdown and getting our new car and spent today in Midreshet Ben Gurion in Sde Boqer with our son Moran Segoli and family and with daughter Vered, Aviv and Danielle. On the way there we stopped at Moran's place of work - the Agriculture Research and Development Unit in the Negev - and heard from him about his various projects there.
It was also an opportunity
to celebrate (a little late) Moran's
birthday. It was a warm sunny day and we enjoyed sitting outside and chatting, while granddaughters Lotem and Danielle went head to head at chess.
February 6, 2021 - Tamar Moskovitz's batmitzvah
Tonight we viewed the batmitzvah of
Tamar Moskovich in Colorado via
Zoom. Tamar was very impressive singing the full torah portion (cenre
below). Tamar
is the eldest daughter of Yuvie and Rachel (nee Engleberg). We took
pictures during the Zoom broadcast of the ceremony of Tamar, her
younger sister Naomi and parents. Click also for pictures of Tamar as a
baby age 6 weeks and age 3 months. (see Matz family tree).
February 2021
- Aviv is off to school
Son Aviv sent me this "early school" picture taken in 1973 in Hofit just before going to his first day of school. Compare his school "uniform" with mine from about 20 years earlier.
Son Aviv sent me this "early school" picture taken in 1973 in Hofit just before going to his first day of school. Compare his school "uniform" with mine from about 20 years earlier.
February 2021 - Ducks in Alonim Park
Our home is next to Park Alonim, a eucalyptus grove also known as Hurshat Ha-Sargentim and historically infamous (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sergeants_affair.) Winter brings rain, and every year an ephemeral winter pond forms in the park. In previous years a large portion of the Park was inaccessible due to the pond, but a few years ago a wooden bridge was built over part of the pond allowing people to stroll in the park and on the bridge and enjoy the scenery. It is interesting how life returns to the pond every winter year after year. This years some ducks found their way to the pond delighting both adults and children. When walking our dog a stroll through the park is enjoyable and relaxing. .
Puppy Alma
breaks a leg - January 2021
Alma, the Ron's puppy jumped off a table and broke a leg bone in two places as can be seen on the x-ray below.
Alma, the Ron's puppy jumped off a table and broke a leg bone in two places as can be seen on the x-ray below.
Click here for a picture of a happier Alma.
anuary 2020 -
Re-discovering jigsaw puzzles
We - evidently as well as many many others - have re-discovered jigsaw puzzles as a wonderful activity for lockdown periods.
We had just completed our first puzzle when we saw an article in the New York times about jigsaw puzzles which explained our new addiction ".......Jigsaw puzzles had a huge surge in popularity about 90 years ago, around the time of the Great Depression. Unsurprisingly, they have surged again during lockdown. A good jigsaw — whether it involves hundreds of pieces or thousands — provides a relatively inexpensive form of home entertainment with a tactility that screen-based entertainments don’t allow. 'There is supposed to be a dopamine hit every time you put puzzle pieces together. So assembling a puzzle is just a constant dose of happy chemicals,' said Tammy McLeod, a champion puzzler and a founder of the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association. ......"
The internet has many entries about the benefits of jigsaw puzzles.
We have swapped puzzles with the Rons and with Doreen's sister Louise and have done a few in recent days. On on their pre-lockdown dinner visit both granddaughters Dani and Lior helped with our difficult puzzle. In particular, we were amazed at the skill of Dani as she seemingly without effort successfully chose correct pieces.
We - evidently as well as many many others - have re-discovered jigsaw puzzles as a wonderful activity for lockdown periods.
We had just completed our first puzzle when we saw an article in the New York times about jigsaw puzzles which explained our new addiction ".......Jigsaw puzzles had a huge surge in popularity about 90 years ago, around the time of the Great Depression. Unsurprisingly, they have surged again during lockdown. A good jigsaw — whether it involves hundreds of pieces or thousands — provides a relatively inexpensive form of home entertainment with a tactility that screen-based entertainments don’t allow. 'There is supposed to be a dopamine hit every time you put puzzle pieces together. So assembling a puzzle is just a constant dose of happy chemicals,' said Tammy McLeod, a champion puzzler and a founder of the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association. ......"
The internet has many entries about the benefits of jigsaw puzzles.
We have swapped puzzles with the Rons and with Doreen's sister Louise and have done a few in recent days. On on their pre-lockdown dinner visit both granddaughters Dani and Lior helped with our difficult puzzle. In particular, we were amazed at the skill of Dani as she seemingly without effort successfully chose correct pieces.
Aviv and daughter Lior start a
puzzle
Doreen finishes a panoramic puzzle
January 2020
- pre-lockdown meal
Granddaughters Dani and Lior Ron decided to visit us a few hours before lockdown took effect and we enjoyed a lovely evening and a very good vegan dinner.
Granddaughters Dani and Lior Ron decided to visit us a few hours before lockdown took effect and we enjoyed a lovely evening and a very good vegan dinner.
January 2020 - The
Segolis hike in Ein Netafim
Taking advantage of the pre-lockdown period, Moran, Mikhal and Zoe Segoli drove southwards and enjoyed a desert hike in the Ein Netafim area. The hike was particularly nostalgic for Moran because when we lived in Eilat he hiked the area many times.
In the picture on the left Zoe lies in a crack in the mountain - Moran says in his memory the crack was much wider, perhaps he was smaller then?!
On the right is a picture from about 30-40 years ago - Moran snappling down the face of the mountain.
Taking advantage of the pre-lockdown period, Moran, Mikhal and Zoe Segoli drove southwards and enjoyed a desert hike in the Ein Netafim area. The hike was particularly nostalgic for Moran because when we lived in Eilat he hiked the area many times.
In the picture on the left Zoe lies in a crack in the mountain - Moran says in his memory the crack was much wider, perhaps he was smaller then?!
On the right is a picture from about 30-40 years ago - Moran snappling down the face of the mountain.
LINKS TO SPECIAL EVENTS AND PICTURES 2020