So Sorry 'Bout Your Luck

Some of you may have already heard this story, while others may not. Anyhoo! A short time ago Klynt and I were doing our grocery shopping at the local supermarket. Basically it is a Chinese version of Meijer or a Wal-mart, only it smells much worse! Sorry, me and smells, smells and me, well, that's an entirely different story. Now my hubby and I had just finished doing most of our shopping and were about to wrap things up for the evening when, oh, that's right; I almost forgot the cleaning products! So off to the isle of cleanliness we go! While debating between Mr. Muscle and Mr. Clean I looked down and noticed that the left leg of my trousers was attached to the wheel of the grocery cart I was pushing. No worries! I will just give 'em a quick tug and then be on my way. Ah, not so fast! The following conversation goes something like this:

Me: "Uh, Klynt!"
Klynt: "Yes."
Me: "My pants are stuck in the wheel of the cart."
Klynt: "Pull them out."
Me: "I tried but they're really stuck!"
Klynt: (Goes in for a closer look and then I hear a chuckle) "How did you do that?"
Me: "I don't know and I really don't think that this is a laughing matter!"
Klynt: "Wow, they ARE stuck!"
Me: Yes, I am well aware of that fact!"

By this time five Chinese ladies who had been stocking shelves, noticed us and came over to investigate further. They started talking; pushed Klynt aside, took our things out of the cart, tipped the cart over and then attempted to free me from the apparatus. No such luck!

One of the ladies takes off towards the back of the store. Five minutes later a manager shows up. At least he looked like a manager. He had a walkie-talkie! A lot of talking and head scratching takes place. "Hmm!"

I must say, many of the shoppers who passed by seemed to be thoroughly entertained! Hee hee! Look at the crazy foreigner! After about ten minutes of standing on one leg, I contemplated the idea of just giving them my pants!

The manager leaves us and returns shortly with a man wearing a tool belt. Yes, a tool belt! Now we're talking business! A broken cart and a few minutes later, I'M FREE! I almost did a dance! Not really.

Anxious-for-Autumn Blues

Michigan. My Michigan! If I were home there would definitely be sure signs of autumn's return. Cooler nights, extra hoodies and blankets around the campfire, even a hint of fall color scattered about. Not so here my friend! This past weekend it was steamy, sticky and down right hot. Ugh!

I know, I know. I'm supposed to “live each season as it passes, breath the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and”...blah, blah, blah! Sorry Mr. Thoreau! I'm having a bit of a fit!

Okay, fit over! Whew!

You've made your bed,

now go bounce on it.

-Peter Scott-

All is Well

I came across this photo the other day. At first I didn't want to look at it. Okay, okay, maybe just a quick glance, but then my eyes wandered back. Big sigh! There are so many memories. Good memories. Oh...the world just doesn't seem like the same place without you in it.

Miss you, kid. We all do. xoxo

~~~

Me, Klynt and Aunt Florence

~February 2008~

Mom and Pop

~ The Entrance to Tiger Hill~

~ Dad and Mom~

~ Klynt's New Friend~

~ Dad, Klynt and Mom~

~Just Me~

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Five days just isn't long enough! You can barely get from Shanghai to Suzhou in that amount of time! It's true!

Despite the shortage of time we did get to visit Klynt at work (yeah, they got the grand tour), enjoy some of our favorite restaurants, do a bit of shopping and even visit a local garden: Tiger Hill. Mom kept trying to practice her Creole on the locals! They just smiled and looked confused. She must really miss Haiti!

Now, when you make mention of the fact that you rarely see blue sky, Westerners aren't overly friendly and the driving is a bit on the crazy side, you just KNOW what is going to take place, don't you? The skies were blue with big white clouds, Americans and Europeans nodded, said hello and one or two even smiled...SMILED! The Chinese must have taken a crash course in driving recently because, yup, you guessed it...you weren't praying for your life! So from now on, China is wonderful! Why doesn't everyone live here? :)