Sabbath

First my computer breaks down ... terrible agony that I might have lost the drafts of my thesis. Panic in fact. Then now my internet is not working. These past two days were awful to say the least. People have stolen my password and use my internet line so I don't get a smooth connection. It's utterly unbelievable.

Irises flowering

The first rocket to be fired after the Gaza war landed in southern Israel a couple of days ago. Though there's no panic, there's certainly an uneasiness as tensions linger across the Territories. Shots continue to be exchanged across the borders  http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/gaza-protesters-shoot-across-israeli-border-three-palestinians-wounded-by-idf-fire.premium-1.506698

Yesterday's Jerusalem Marathon went ahead despite the cold and drizzle. The northern half of Jerusalem was paralysed as roads were closed. They say some 2,000 participants ran the course. But with security helicopters flying overhead and soldiers at every corner ... I preferred to stay at home. And there's so much work to do ... it feels like things have gone out of control.

So it hasn't been a good week. Everyone says I need a break. I do too. Only thing is it remains as elusive as ever. My only relaxing moment is to watch the flowers blooming, the canaries singing ... and hanging around with a couple of my best friends whenever I have a few minutes free. It's Sabbath ... it should be time for rest and quality time with family and friends. But only in my dreams.