I did actually help out with the cleaning (we have a new squeegee for the windows and I had fun cleaning them like a windshield at the gas station), but most of the credit goes to Devrim who also did dishes, tried to fix a cabinet and removed our rug from the living room for the summer. Thanks Devrim!
A few pictures from Saklıgöl, which means 'hidden lake' in Turkish. Formed as a result of the earthquake in 1999, Saklıgöl is a small lake tucked into the mountainous region on the southern part of the Gulf of Izmit, near Değiremendere, and only a 20 minute drive from Izmit. We went there without knowing exactly where it was, and a very small sign was the only indication of its location from the road. The road snaked through a village with a series of poorly-paved roads that made it seem a questionable tourist destination. But once we arrived, there was a fully functioning restaurant serving mangal, or barbecue... which just proves again that if there is something to see in Turkey, there is always something to eat!
most excellent pancake variation for pregnant ladies or pancake aficionados found to be tried and true after testing many many times:
1. A photo of my students from the Upper-Intermediate English class I taught for five weeks at Dilko. During our time together they learned fun things like collocations, modal verbs and various idioms. Here we are relaxing after their difficult final exam with börek and five-layer chocolate cake. Yum. From left: Adalet, Gökhan, Volkan, Nürettin, me, and Ilke.
2. Tribute to Wisconsin and Minnesota. In my opinion, there is nothing better than potatoes and cheese, especially if it comes in the form of a casserole. This Still Life With Casserole is an excellent example of the fact that you can take a Midwesterner out of the Midwest, but can't take the Midwest out of the Midwesterner... especially because it was inspired by leftovers. I hope my grandma will approve! In the back you'll see a University of Wisconsin coffee mug that I use daily in honor of my Alma Mater.
4. Our baby at 21 weeks... this ultrasound picture is a little dated, as I am now 26 weeks (although on some calendars I am 27 weeks). Boy or girl!? Anyone?
Today entailed a trip to the Devlet Hastane for a standard glucose test for gestational diabetes. How to explain health care in Turkey...? Well, first of all, anything involving the use of the public hospital is made easier by the help of my mother-in-law and our neurologist neighbor, Hamit Bey. All of my tests are stamped with Neurology, which is kind of funny. My doctor, Semih Özeren, speaks English, has a private practice and works for the Kocaeli University, but we go to the public hospital for all of the testing. In order to do so, we need a referral every time and knock on Hamit Bey's door. My mother-in-law is like a grandmother to his children, so it all works out in the end. Every time I go to the hospital with her I count my blessings that I have an assertive advocate who handles all of the business. Even for Turkish people, it is hard to know where to go and who to talk to. She is excellent at getting to the front of any line and asking any person for assistance without bashfulness. In the end, 50 g. of glucose and 2 hours later, we walk out of the hospital far earlier than most who have to sit and wait. 
kemik and a very pixelated image of the pinar süt cast of characters....
I promised a few people a 'side' shot of my growing belly, but I am not sure these photos do justice to my midsection. You wouldn't know it from these pictures, but many a person has been prompted to tell me my belly looks "large" or even "extra large" at 6 months (in Turkish it sounds less harsh as büyük and çok büyük) by strangers and friends alike. When I describe my cravings (starchy plain things and sweets) everyone says it will be a boy. It is fun to keep them guessing because they are really not used to someone saying 'I don't know' when asked about the sex of the baby. Turkish culture has embraced the concept of the ultrasound fully and welcomes the opportunity to plan their baby rooms in strict pink or blue. I prefer green, yellow and white (hint hint!).
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