Great post! You tell a great story with evocative characters and great scene-setting. What makes lemonade hard? Is it spiked?

Anyone who doesn't realise you are a steel magnolia hasn't been reading this blog. I like these posts too, it's a real treat. When I went to Servilla I thought - this is a city I could live in. For certain, anytime. I don't think that very often in cities, being a country girl. x

Yes! That's just the kind of beauty to be found here in Ghor - amidst the harshness and desolation, little touches of wonderful beauty.

I love reading about your social life - it is so filled with art and goodness. But this is especially nice - a post that lets me go out for my own artistic adventure this morning. I may have a day off and nowhere to go in the "real world" but I can go anywhere in the blogsphere. Thanks for the directions! x

Hey - I've seen that spider before. She's making her way around the world. Here's my very exciting news - the army base here in Ghor is Lithuanian BUT the catering company are American and they have a US Army Post Office address and (as well as sneaking me cheese and cucumbers out of the kitchen) they have told me I can have parcels delivered via them SO I just ordered Harry Potter, plus a huge pile of books and DVDs, from Amazon. They should arrive on the next plane - on Tuesday a week from now. Is ear this is one of the best things that has happened to my quality of life in 18 months!

Lovely Susanna - Thank you for finding and sharing Michelle. I love stamping and have been looking for new inspiration and new stamps. I should have known that if i keep coming here eventually you'll lead me to the best and most beautiful of everything. So glad you found a new creative soul in your 'hood. Today I posted about my new friends (four kittens and a toad - not comparable to Michelle but still pretty special for me!). xx

Hmmm, that fur seal looks familiar. Maybe he is one of the regular visitors at Red Rocks in Wellington where I used to walk in the weekend to say hello to the colony of seals. Thanks for the little shout out to Victoria Beckham's sense of humour, I often forget how badly the British sense of humour translates sometimes (we have been well-schooled in it in the colonies so it comes naturally to us). I was stunned when people took Ms Beckham seriously when she made her quip about never reading books. She obviously struggles with her body-image, but yes I agree, she is pretty funny.

It has been far too long since I commented here and wanted to come back this this post and say how happy I was for you and your mum. I love the recent posts - the photos are amazing. Hope you get a cool breeze to relieve you soon. x

I am really glad that you can see how well your mujm is loved and cared for, and also that you are able to be there with her. x

Good grief, as if middle of the night stop overs and flourescent lights in airport terminals were not already enough to push us over the edge. By the way - I love the term "do-gooder" I reclaimed it myself some years ago after discovering that it was used in the USA mostly as a kind of gentle jibe. I'm a do-gooder and, if not proud, at least self-accepting!

Wow, so much to catch up on. I love buying and eating local food, eating what is in season, eating organic. I can't always manage it (in Afghanistan the concept of organic doesn't exist but on the other hand most of what I eat is grown locally and in season) but when I can I'm a happy camper. I also love Barbara Kingsolver's novels and stories so I am sure I will like this book. Good for you for making an effort, I am sure you'll find a way to get at least some of your produce local and organic. I love your posts about your weekends away hiking and mountain biking. I found you in the winter so it is fun to get a glimpse of summer life. Most of all - I wanted to send huge waves of support and enthusiasm for your exhibition! I am very excited for you and wish you the perfect venue with the perfect folks to appreciate and exhibit your work. x

Dear Tara, Well, if i have to re-emerge from my blissful "unplugged" life on the island paradise then at least I have blogs to make up for some of the pain! Thanks for keeping Alan in our minds and hearts and thanks for the amazing poem "Silence and truth". I hear that one. x

Sounds fabulous, so glad you had a good time with good friends. I'm now in Bangkok with my two fabulous ladies and looking forward to our cleansing week (apparently my colon is also looking forward to it, if the reflexologist last night knew what she was doing!). x

I'm filled with lots of thoughts and emotions - I want to respond to some of these comments, but this is not my space in which to do so. Tara thanks for writing about Zakia, I didn't know her well but she was a close friend to some of my friends and she was my age. I feel her death very strongly. But I also hesitate to make a statement of it. I don't know why, maybe it just feels too close and too personal for now.

I used to have so much fun doing boxing/kickboxing cross training with Todd a few years ago. These days I'm all yoga and meditation, but given the option I'd still love to mix it up with a bit of argy bargy from time to time - and yes it is brilliant for kicking the butt (and abs) into shape. Good for you for taking such good care - you'll reap the benefits for a long time to come.

I love that you were able to evoke such delicious and authentic US food. It is an often repeated and unfair stereotype that there is no such thing. Mmmm, sourdough and bagels. I think I have had my fill of naan for the year! x

You crafty thing you! Brilliant and very, very summery. x

I know that feeling (or one very like it) and I hope your return is wonderful. x

I'm so glad to read these posts, what a gift you have for finding the beauty in the world. I love candlelit gardens, love them! I wish you many balmy summer evenings in candle light and a brilliantly colourful balcony. PS: no disrespect to Pacian intended, but isn't Prince Charles at least a little bit nutty? x

The ceilings are amazing, and I am sure that your discerning guests will appreciate them - all your readers certainly do.

I've been thinking about him a lot today. I don't know where he is or in what state, but I wish him peace wherever he is. I've been on a wee jaunt around London and Bournemouth and missed your blog for a week. Lovely to catch up with all those fabulous photos. x

Gotta love those smiles! Yay for spring, I'm getting a little taste of Spring in London - allowed out to walk in the streets and parks! What a joy. x

Wow - so many wonderful photos to catch up on this week. I feel as though I just went for a stroll through Paris myself. It has been far too long since I did that in person so thanks! Your post on Darfur was powerful - my new colleague here in Afghanistan has just arrived from two years in Darfur so I have the chance to learn about what she saw there. Deep and dark indeed. And thanks for the lovely shot of the lovely Maryam. She is gorgeous, multi-talented and prolific - just like you. x

I love making up stories for people (my ex and I had a ball sitting in restaurants in Eastern Europe concocting great dramas for our fellow diners). x