Project RuSu 365

Rustem checking out a replacement tree this morning. (12.30.2011)

Considering our tree has to last until at least January 10th, we went & bought a replacement for our already dried-out one. This time we bought a Russian tree, which is about 1/2 the price of the imported Danish trees. They always have a bit of a Charlie Brown-ish feel to them with trunks about as thick as my arm, but couldn't see spending so much a 2nd time. Now the work begins dismantling the old & putting up the new - needles everywhere. North Americans should be grateful to Christmas tree farmers who invariably deliver beautifully formed, full trees.

As for Moscow being so expensive, believe it or not, many Russians, at least in Moscow where the average monthly wage has now reached $1500/month, have more disposable income than many Westerners. Most don't have mortgages & utilities are still relatively cheap. People spend more than 70% of their income on food & clothing. Additionally, Russians have a 'live for today' mentality & few think about their future or retirement, partially because many saw their life savings disappear with the fall of the USSR. Sadly, the majority of the country's capital is in Moscow & even in Moscow retirees receive as little as $200/month. How do they survive? Bread, potatoes & cabbage all of which are quite cheap.

Hope to catch up on commenting late this evening. Have a good one!

yolkebuying a yolkeChristmas treerusurusu photography