75 year-old Rima Varosyan lives with her 45 year-old son who suffers from psychological problems. The two exists on a monthly pension of 29,000 drams ($80). Mrs. Varosyan says the pension doesn't even cover the basics- gas, water and electric. "Let them try to get by on that much. My son was discharged from the army. He married twice but it didn't work out. We're an unlucky bunch," she says. To calm her nerves, Mrs. Varosyan has taken up sewing and embroidery. She says that her hobby can also bring in a bit of extra money on good days. "I can't sleep at nights. I get up and go to the sewing machine or pick up my embroidery needles. My daughter made a sweater and I told her to give it to me to sell. What can we do?" she says. Mrs. Varosyan sells her wares on the side of the road. She's stretched a rope between two trees on which her goods are displayed. It's an attractive site but actual buyers are rare. She doesn't get angry however because she realizes that her fellow residents of Alaverdi are also facing tough times. She's even given her things away for free when she sees that a prospective customer has no money with which to pay. "There are people who have no money or a sewing machine. Others just don't know how to sew and stitch. They come up to me and admire my work but leave empty-handed. I've only sold one house dress till now and that was on credit. Who knows if they'll pay," says the elderly woman, continuing to sew a pair of socks for no one in particular.