Your XH and the RT are really just incredible. Incredible what's I'm not sure to say. And I understand why you're grateful. It's not right to always bear the burden of carrying the family. You deserve so much more. Your photos look like you are getting the good! I'm so happy for you.
I don't know if I told you, but my new abode is located in a small townhouse complex in western Aurora. First, the entire complex was built as a Russian mafia ponzi scheme. (Doesn't that sound sordid?) Unfortunately, the one American got caught after the Russians fled and he's in jail. We're left to clean up the mess they left by paying off inspectors and taking shortcuts. Anyway, I was stunned to find out that at least a third of the residents or owners are Russian, and a whole lot of the businesses close by are also Russian owned... the pizza joint, the liquor store, the daycare. We have a large Hispanic population, so it surprised me that so many Russians are in the mix.
One thing I've found out about them. They are resourceful as hell. They learn English more quickly than most people and their motherland ties give them connections to get access to stuff that we don't have. I'm really unsure how they do it. Are they legally pursuing things? Or does that RM have wide tentacles? I know this sounds bad, but I honestly don't trust them. We have a lot of Muslims in Aurora as well, and they seem to do business a whole lot more transparently than the Russians. Jeez, I sound paranoid. I'm really not. I just am surprised that I'm living in little Russia?
Case in point, a Russian couple in our complex refuses to accept responsibility for drainage issues on their patio. The HOA clearly states that they have responsibilities for walls out, and that patios are included in the homeowner's responsibilities. They are well versed in the language: their letter is written in impeccable English and grammatically correct, and they're threatening to sue. Yet, you speak to them in person, and their English is very accented and sometimes disjointed. It's beyond weird to me.
Anyway, I would be surprised if it's your former MIL. It's karmic and funny as hell that she's the one going back to work. Your XH is a piece of work. I'm glad you're the one having fun and traveling now.
Love you! Betsey
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
