There comes a time in every Mother’s life when things change rapidly and she feels a little tug in her heart. Last week was one of those weeks. Jay started school. No big deal, except that he now gets the bus to afternoon school 5-days a week. Growing up before our eyes. He has a little friend Sasklia with whom he gets the bus, so at least he has a buddy.

Kicked off the weekend with drinks at a friends’ home and met yet more new people. Actually had two invitations out but can’t be in two places at once. There were some older children who left early in the evening, so Jay was once again left to his own devices to play quietly. He was exceptionally well behaved. The weather is cooling down, imagine that, just by a few degrees.
The bank last week was hilarious. Here’s the tale: I had to cash a US check to pay for our car duty, registration and the agent fees to get it from the port and delivered to the compound. Teller No 1, was handed the check and my ARAMCO ID - photo, badge number, etc, etc.

Teller No 1 “Madame, I cannot cash this check.”
802382 replies “Oh and why not?”.
Teller No 1 “We can only give money to husbands.”
802382 responds “Oh that’s silly the wives spend the money therefore they should be given it and not the husbands.”
Teller No 1 “Hmm, maybe so, but there is still an issue here, I need to see your Drivers License.”
802382 takes out US DL and slides it under the counter top.
Teller No 1 “Your Saudi DL, Madame, if you please.”
802382 “Oh you’re so funny!”
Teller No 1 slides a bundle of cash under the glass. “Have a nice day Madame”.

Later in the week, I had to cash another check to add to the stash for the car etc. This time I had my sidekick with me who managed to talk to the Teller the during the entire transaction and fortunately Teller No 5 was quite young and very engaging so all was well. He understood the need for “Mummy” to have money so that we can go to the Commissary to buy new toys for ME!