Things are cooling off here in Aktau.  Even though this area is technically a desert, it really does not feel like that to me here in the small city by the Caspian Sea.  This area of the community is kept much cleaner than many other areas. 
    We started the year with overcast skies and some rain, falling a bit heavier toward the evening.  There has not been any snow yet; but, it is possible here.  Last year the school had to be closed once for a snow day.  The swans have not yet arrived from the north as they do annually when it gets too cold up that way.
    School opens again on January 10th, after a nice winter break of three and a half weeks.  Last school year saw the loss of several students and necessitated the lay-off of 2 teachers when everyone returned from the break.  So, not everyone returned, obviously.  It is not expected to happen again this year.  We may actually have a few new students enrolling.  None are expected to be in my grade levels, however.