The day after ...

Wild lupins growing in
Mamilla cemetery 

Yesterday's attack on the 2 policemen near our house has had consequences. The security presence in the Old City has stepped up. More blocks and checkpoints along the streets in the eastern part of the City. I have a feeling tourists will stop coming. Utterly miserable.

There's a sad piece of news about a disabled Palestinian boy who was shot by Israeli soldiers and then brought for interrogation. Imagine if it was an Israeli child.  Then the family was told to prove that the boy is an amputee.  It breaks your heart.  http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-1.776535  and  http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.776180

Syria continues to be in the news ... the plight of the local population is beyond belief. A news article on the deaf people in Syria shows the appalling situation. being deaf, they cannot hear the sirens or gunfire and bombs. They need to be led by others to run to shelter. Worse when soldiers or enemies call out to stop them, they cannot hear and continue walking ... they shot as a result.

The amazing pink
tree 

The weather continues to play havoc with us. It was bright and warm this morning ... in contrast to yesterdays cold and wet weather. Then suddenly by noon it changed again ... the skies were gloomy and it started drizzling. I guess only the flowers are enjoying this weather. Yesterday while taking a shortcut home through the Mamilla cemetery, I noticed wild lupins growing! Incredible. I know they grow profusely in the north near the Golan Heights where it's cool and wet. But here in Jerusalem where it's usually hot and dry, to see lupins growing is a wonder. And there's this amazing pink tree in Damascus Gate Park. You can't miss it. It stands out in sharp contrast to the green trees and grass.

Well I'm seriously considering ending my career as a teacher. It's been over 25 years now, and I no longer have the energy to continue with the demands. My heart is not as strong and my health in general has slowed me down a lot. It takes double the amount of time and effort to do what I used to do 10 years back. Maybe it's time to retire. Time to enjoy smelling the roses and watching the sunsets.