Happy 2008 to all of you!

Nicky and I wish all of you the happiest of new years in 2008, may tomorrow he glad, merry, and SAFE. Do pass the “real thing”… it’s in the liquor cabinet next to the cream sherry. Of course, I mean the vodka, dear!

Let us lift our glasses and “s Prazdnikom” to all!

Yes, Bill, you may drink now; I promise I shan’t tell Lisa…  😉  Nicky shall keep your glass full…  🙂

Dede is on the move again!

Well… Dede has more work to do! He is bringing gifts for the New Year… did you write your letter, Bill, or are a Grinch? Dede IS laden down, and shall he stop at the Jones house? One hopes so! Remember… Dede prefers cold pivo and hot kielbasa… NO! You shall NOT leave cookies and milk… sheesh!

Happy New Year to all of you! 😀 s Novym Godom! To the New Year!

Moi Angel. My Angel. sung by Yuliya Berezova

A contemporary Russian spiritual song in the style of the Siberian Old Believers. It is a capella, so, it may sound spare and austere to modern ears. I find it haunting and ethereal. It is much like American Southern “Shaped Note/Sacred Harp” singing. It is accompanied by 19th century Russian religious art in the order of salvation history.

Nikolai Kharlamov. The Holy Eucharist. Khram Spasa na Krovi (Church of the Saviour on the Spilt Blood). St Petersburg RF. undated (1890s)

The Holy Eucharist

Nikolai Kharlamov

undated (1890s?)

Khram Spasa na Krovi (Church of the Saviour on the Spilt Blood)

St Petersburg (Fedeeral City of St Petersburg. Northwestern Federal District) RF