Chawarmas and the Origin of Man

Today I was sitting at my favorite chawarma shop having a chawarma. I don't really remember how the subject came up, but one of the guys that works there said, "I watched a program on TV last night that said that the first man on earth was from Africa. I think that is true." He asked me what I thought.

Now I am no theologian nor am I an expert in Geography, but I believe the first man on earth was Adam and that his first steps were taken somewhere in the region that we today call the Middle East. Now the location is somewhat disputable. I can probably reference 12 different books with 12 different opinions on the matter for you to look at with the touch of a button. I think "somewhere" in the Middle East is a pretty safe assumption, and although that is close to the continent of Africa, it is not in Africa.

So, I said, "I disagree." He retorted, "No it's true. I saw it on the television." I, of course, asked, "Do you believe everything you see on televison?" That brought a laugh out of the other guy that works there. The laughing guy is actually the owner of the shop. Anyway, the conversation continued further, and we ended up talking a bit about spiritual things and some other stories from the Bible before more customers came in. Who knew chawarma's would make for such interesting conversation?

I am going back tomorrow to tutor the shop owner in English. Who knows? Maybe the conversation from today will continue.

Spring is on the way

In our back yard is this beautiful almond tree. It has just bloomed in the last couple of weeks. It doesn't stay like this for very long though. Over the next couple of weeks our back yard will be covered with these white petals. Then, by the end of March it will basically be just bare limbs again. Along with these blooms also comes the gentle, but very noticeable, hum of bumble-bees. They usually keep to themselves. Although they sometimes get confused and begin ramming themselves repeatedly into our closed windows. I don't mind it though. It means that Spring is just around the corner. Now don't get me wrong, I love winter, especially when it snows, but I am tired of being cold. I am ready for a little warmth.

Flowers for Joy

For Valentines Day I, of course, bought Joy flowers. Not just fancy flowers in a vase, but also some flowers to plant outside. We picked them out and bought them on Feb. 13th with plans to plant them on the 14th, Valentines Day. However, it was too cold on the 14th, about 45 degrees if I remember correctly, so we had to put it off for a few days. By the end of the week it had warmed up enough to brave the planting process outdoors. Now, Joy nor I either one really have a green thumb, but Joy likes flowers so we usually try to do a little something to brighten up the outdoors.

So far everything seems to be thriving. It has only been a couple of weeks, but our pots and flower boxes are looking good. Plus, actually having flowers in the boxes seems to keep the neighborhood cats from using them as a litter box!

We will keep you updated on the flower situation as it "grows".

Pun intended. ;-)