Morning T.

It’s very quiet in Neve Tzedek and yes, I’m missing the sound of the sea, the early morning shots I used to grab as the sun came up over the water when the first locals were out for their routine walk or jog to begin the morning.  Yes, I miss our OJ and cold cereal and instant coffee. Yes, of course I miss your need to get your first fill of real Israeli news in Hebrew. Yes, I miss our Israeli life. Here in Neve Tzedek the rituals are very different and that’s been very healing for me.

Ami and Adi are up whispering as I tiptoe downstairs after a “full” night of sleep. Maybe I’m not lagging anymore and finally in the “groove” and maybe today I won’t shut down for a few minutes of nap time in the middle of an interesting conversation.  Sorry, but that’s what happened last night in Ricki’s kitchen  but then Asher did mix me a very strong drink, heavy on good vodka. Don’t worry, there was understanding in the room and a wonderful night to be back in Rehovot with our dear friends and the addition of the wing of the Friesem family I am getting to know here and of course, back home.

Yes I was working on very little sleep but the energy in the house gets me up and out for new adventures.  It was leisurely as Adi and I dressed and walked up Shabazi, stopping at shops to browse ceramics, scarves and bags. Not your thing, for sure.  We stopped for a small coffee just before we arrived to pick up Mia from school.  Interesting to wait at the locked gate with parents ready to pick up their kids and stroll the back home now that the terrorist on the run was caught and killed and life returns to its version of normal.   Mia was filled with information about her day.  At 9 she’s still happy to share every detail with her  adults.  I loved walking on Rothschild, remembering our walks there as you stopped to share a story and I stopped to capture you in the telling.

We were back at the house as Jonathan was calling to let me know that I had an hour before he would arrive with his dad for a ride to Rehovot.  Sure, I was ready.  I’m always ready for more of this company.  Getting to Ricky and Asher’s house early gave us lots of time to talk together, share memories of you.  I’m so interested these days in your past and Ricky’s insights and observations, imagining what it was like for the entire Israeli community of friends and family in Ann Arbor Michigan,  when you and Dani left to return to Israel for the 6 Day War, worried that they might never see you again.

I loved the whole evening- even riding back on the train and directing the taxi cab driver through the streets of Neve Tzedek. Another good day under my belt.  I didn’t think it was going to be so good…

Easy morning today.  Lunch later with Mendi and Edna and then an evening with Maya and kids, Rick and Earis.

Wish you were here T.

Miss you,

Bonnie S.