Ho-Hum

I’ve been lazy and neglectful. My little blog has fallen by the wayside. I would like to tell you I’ve been busy getting ready for the big move, doing something creative, or at the very least, being somewhat productive. But sadly, that is not the case. The truth is I’ve been holed up in my air-conditioned apartment, watching movies and sipping icy, caramel-topped coffee drinks from Starbucks conveniently hand-delivered by Klynt. The few times I’ve left this semi-slothful state was to get an internet fix or grab dinner. Okay, okay, I’ll admit, this may be a slight exaggeration, but really, it isn’t too far from the truth. C’mon, what’d you expect; so many illegal DVDs, so little time.


Here: I’m posting this photo in case there are any doubters out there needing proof that I actually did leave the apartment this week.* Somewhere South of Suzhou there was a big storm kicking up some pretty cool clouds. We even witnessed clear blue skies for a minute or two, but now it’s back to the typical grey haze. Apparently somebody took the “lazy, hazy days of summer” to heart. :) Have a happy 4th!

*Klynt actually took the photo; I just pointed and said “hey, look at the sky.”

Perspective

You say, “Mmm fresh fruit.” I say, “Mmm natural laxative.”

Photo Booth

The streets near our apartment are lined with red roses. A few weeks ago they were all in full bloom and smelled so good.

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Last Time

When shopping in Shanghai recently, I remember thinking: ‘This is it. This will probably be the final time I browse the markets, hear the words “watch, bag, shoes” every two minutes, or enjoy lunch at the famous Green Leaf Restaurant.’ Often, you don’t have the advantage of knowing that you may not travel this way again. Now even though I’m anxious to pack it all up and call it a day, our time in China is quickly coming to a close. I so appreciate the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds (sorry, I can’t include smells) of such a vast, overwhelming city, one last time.

*****

Your Vote Counts!

This is me. It’s been exactly two weeks since my most recent haircut. I asked the stylist to cut my bangs on an angle. Wow. I guess I should just be happy to still have bangs. Klynt tries to tell me that a bag over my head isn’t necessary when we’re out in public, but I’m not convinced. Does anyone else think I look like a Shetland pony?

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Little Heathens

I like to read. I do. However my reading habits tend to be a bit sporadic. Anyway, I’ve been working on this one for a while and finally finished it off. The book is entitled “Little Heathens – Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression” by Mildred Armstrong Kalish. I really enjoyed it, and have to admit that growing up on a farm must account for some of my partiality. Since I am quite certain that my description of the book would not do it justice, I’ll go ahead and post a bit of the authors: I tell of a time, a place, and a way of life long gone but still indelible in my memory. For many years I have had he urge to describe that treasure trove, lest it vanish forever. So, partly in response to the basic human instinct to share feelings and experiences, and partly for the sheer joy and excitement of it all, I report on my early life. It was quite a romp….

If you stumble across it at the bookstore, it comes highly recommended.

Photo/Microsoft Office

BLOCKED

It looks like my days of freely posting on my blog are done. Blogger has been blocked. I’ve attempted to log in everyday since returning from our tropical getaway, but with no luck. No luck at all. From now on, it will take a little more effort on my part. I will be forced to follow Klynt to work every now and then and hi-jack his laptop. Don’t worry, he has his own computer. The poor man will still be able to work. So that’s that.