Here's to Mongolian women

Yes, it is that time of year again. Mongolian Woman's Day.

Erdene and sister, Selenge, on the afternoon of our first day in Mongolia and Selenge below, looking her best on Saipan.
Had to add that, I'm continually reminded to not blog less than attractive pictures. In the first picture Selenge (Siigi) had spent much of the previous evening and into the wee hours waiting for our arrival at the aiport, and then showed up the next day at daybreak in case we needed anything. Not the least of her efforts on our behalf, by any means, but she does deserve a more realistic picture.
Sister Selenge, Solte (to the right and below), and their mom have gone more than the extra mile in their love and care for Pumpkin and Erdene. Not so different than my sisters here in America, but in Mongolia, to my experience, such caring is a family tradition carried across the entire nation. I can't say anything against this holiday, Mongolian women work hard under trying circumstances and still manage to maintain grace and dignity.


By the grace of the postal gods, my latest parcel arrived just on the eve of the big day. Fortunately, as, as with most holidays and special events, I'd forgotten.
Erdene was quite graceful with her gentle reminder along with her thanks for the package arriving on such a special day. I had to suck it up and profess ignorance again, but her Mom and sister, Solte, are quite touched by my skill at having a gift box arrive on the very eve of the day. In turn, I am touched by the devotion and care her entire family have lavished on the lad I'm so indebted for my mother and sisters-in laws help with our stay in Mongolia. So here is to them and the other fine women of the "Blue Sky Country"



The two pictures above, represent Mongolia to me. The elderly lady, medal bedecked, and dressed to the nines with her family at her side, off to a concert at the Wrestling Palace in Ulan Baatar. Hard to imagine, what she went through to reach this point in her life, but I'm happy and humbled to see her treated with gentle kindness by her family and country.
Most especially, my love and greatest respect to the Mongolian woman who will always be front and center in my life. Pumpkin called me daddy for the first time this evening. I know how much practice and coaching on her part his words cost, What greater gift can anyone receive?

I'm rather happy; Erdene will celebrate three holidays each year, beyond the usual; Mongolian Womens Day, International Women's Day, and the other Mother's day. As for my part, I'm going to need a better scheduling calendar or bring her to realize every day is a special day for her.