Last party for awhile

We went to a great party Saturday night for Liliya, who's kind of like a sister-in-law. She and her mother, Larisa, and daughter, Karina, were celebrating their 10-year anniversary of being in the United States. They came from Odessa, Ukraine. Vlad was one of the people who helped her get set up here, so we were invited to this celebration as were others, like the Russian guy, Alexei, who taught her how to drive.

The party was at The Russian Bear, a restaurant that serves all manner of Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian and other food and drink, as well as entertainment here in Houston.

Liliya has worked hard - still does - and has made a real success of her life. She's basically taught herself English, and she pretty much supports her mom and daughter, and a new grandson, Dylan. She's amazing and also kind-hearted.

Vlad did not want to miss it. But it was a little too much. He woke up with some pain in his back, which is probably his kidney and has not been able to eat much nor really get out of bed. There's no fever right now. I'm keeping close watch; trying to decide whether he needs to go into the hospital now, rather than at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow. He doesn't want to go yet.

The gravity of this is starting to panic me a little because I don't feel ready for tomorrow. I need to prepare my questions.

Thanks for checking in.