Responding to some comments....

My earlier post, Sixty Things I Love about Living in Israel, garnered some comments that I wanted to respond to. Since in the blogosphere it's considered an old post, I decided to publish my responses to make sure they are seen by the commenters and anyone else stopping by.

I do so love getting comments!

I am so glad people read the list, even without pictures! I always knew that my friends and bloggers (and blogger friends) were a smart bunch!

Regarding the lice (as noted by Leora and Jameel):

This was tongue-in-cheek; one of the downers about living here is the prevalence of lice. If the schools were more vigilant, there'd be much less. But they aren't, so you have to have a sense of humor about it. And I don't freak out about it here, the way I did the two times my daughter had in the states. Believe me, there are alot worse things to have. I know it and I guess the Israelis do, too.

Regarding the milk-in-bags (SuperRaizy and Ra'anana Ramblings):

Of course the bags leak! But not as often as you'd think. I don't know why, but I love 'em, much as I love my outdoor "drier". And they cost half as much as the cartons.

CK,

You are very much missed as well. I know you've been here for Yom Ha'atzmaut, but it really is different celebrating as a citizen. But I have faith you'll be here some day soon. (Modiin's getting pricey though--maybe you should buy now? ;)

Rachel,

It's amazing that we can go to the kotel and be home in a morning! And I've done it, several times...

Phyllis,

Thank you for stopping by! And in response to your comment, all I have to say is, "so?"

Raanana R,

Thank you!

And finally to my friend, Jameel:

12. But everybody wants the Teudat Zehut number--and expects it. Should I just say no?

22. The machsom (checkpoint): The one I am mostly affected by is the one on the 443 before Modiin and in the other direction, before Jerusalem. The truth is, I rarely drive during rush hour so I never have to wait. What I meant, though, is that it makes me happy that people are being watched entering and leaving, to deter the "bad guys". I also don't mind my bag being forever checked every time I enter a store or building. I feel it does makes us a bit more secure. (Of course I know that sometimes the terrorists get in anyway....). Now, where you live, as far as I understand it's very different. It's probably horribly inconvenient at the least, and, I don't know maybe even worse for the "settlers". Maybe you could tell us about your experiences at the local machsom.

Still, is it not a necessary evil at this point?

56. The dud (for those of you who are wondering, this is the hot water heater that usually sits on the roof of your home and is heated primarily by the sun. It saves much energy, but you don't always have hot water--you need to remember to turn the switch on before). This was also tongue-in-cheek. On Friday's guess who's the last to shower so usually suffers through a cold one? Yup, the same person who made this. And I'm afraid to ask what the "guf chimum" is!

And yes, Jameel, in spite of it all, I am glad to be home!