ymca jerusalem

ymca jerusalem
Originally uploaded by nostalgist

They had a parent's day at the YMCA this morning. We went swimming - Lev clung to me like seaweed, but at least he went into the pool - he tends to sit on the side while all the other children swim. Then we went to the class and had breakfast. Lidal cooked fresh pitas and zatar right there on a portable electric griddle, and we had feta and cucumbers and humus as well - a proper Israeli breakfast. Then we went to their outdoor playspace (photo) and came back inside for arts and crafts - we decorated olive jars, filled them with the olives the kids had picked in beit safafa (crushed slightly and mixed with fresh lemon juice, hot peppers, cut lemon pieces and salt water - it's in our pantry marinating now). We also made pictures of olive trees and sculpted clay jars with wicks inside for candles. Olive season here is almost over, and now it is finally visibly Fall - the courtyard here is filled with leaves. I am wondering what winter will look like.