Noah's Pudding

 My friend's mom came over and made this dish for us just because we like it but I looked it up and  learned something new: In anecdotal history, it is claimed that when Noah's Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat in northeastern Turkey, Noah's family supposedly celebrated with a special dish. Since their supplies were nearly exhausted, what was left (primarily grains, dried fruits and the like) was cooked together to form a pudding, what is now call Ashure.  This dish is a traditional winter food in Turkey.

 

It is eaten warm and it a lot like oatmeal with fruit and nuts in it.

Pastry

My friend mixing the dough.

Then she formed it into circles and spread egg yoke on the top and then sprinkled black sesame seeds.

 And this is how they turned out!  Delicious!  Just like from the bakery!

Snow

Here's the duck's house.

And our painting on the wall.

After this day we got even more snow!  I love to eat it which they think is weird!

Friends

We had a fun outing together at the local mall.  She especially loved the dancing bears.

Colorful Cake

My mom sent food coloring from America so we had fun making a colorful cake!

Cookie Party

 Making the dough ahead of time

 Decorating together

My cookies!

Christmas is Beautiful

Our tree

And all the gifts under it!

My friend bought me some beautiful flowers that they call "New Year" flowers here.

  They are similar to holly but with long stems and much less pokey.  

Sock Party

Here we are preparing an example sock for the ladies craft time that we put together.  We had just as much fun as they did.

 They got started right away sewing the edges together with yarn.

 I cut out snowmen and trees for them to glue onto their socks.

Look how cute they turned out!  It was a great day for everyone!

We played a little game where you throw dice to get a turn to put on the Santa hat and gloves and try to open a present.  I had seen the game before and was determined to get it open before my turn was over.  I got one box open but of course there were several more inside!  Tricksters!

Thankful

I am very thankful for my good friend who patiently teaches me, makes me laugh, and goes out to have fun with me on special occasions.  No one felt like making turkey on Thanksgiving so we settled for a cup of tea at a cafe.  We have much to be thankful for here. 

A Great Birthday

It just so happened that the circus was in Ankara for my birthday, so we decided to go.  I had never been to a circus before and really loved it!

The acrobat show was the most exciting part.  They swang and jumped and fell onto the net on purpose!

And of course we ate cotton candy!

The Siberian tigers were chubby and lazy, but we had fun watching them.

Another big hit

Our sweet friend has turned 5 years old!  She loved her present and cake that we brought over to celebrate.